Jimmy Melvin Jr. remanded to federal prison to await murder trial
Blair Rhodes | CBC News | Posted: May 11, 2016 9:36 PM | Last Updated: May 11, 2016
Melvin Jr. is accused of killing another notorious crime figure, Terry Marriott Jr., in February 2009
Notorious Halifax crime figure Jimmy Melvin Jr. has won the right to remain in a federal prison while he awaits trial on a charge of first-degree murder.
Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Patrick Duncan granted Melvin's request during a hearing this morning. Reasons for the judge's decision and evidence presented at the hearing are banned from publication to protect Melvin's right to a fair trial.
Melvin has been moving back and forth between federal and provincial institutions since he was arrested last July. He's accused of killing another notorious crime figure, Terry Marriott Jr., in February 2009.
Melvin and another man, Regan Henneberry are also charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill Marriott a couple of months before he died.
Melvin was 'in virtual isolation'
Typically, people awaiting trial are held in provincial jails. But Melvin requested and was granted a remand to federal prison during an earlier court appearance. He then requested a transfer back to provincial jail — complaining that he was too isolated at the Atlantic Institution in Renous, N.B., where he was being held.
Melvin didn't like provincial jail any better. He complained that he was held in virtual isolation during his time on provincial remand.
"As I understand it, he's being held in a cell where his mattress is removed every morning. He essentially is in virtual isolation," said Pat MacEwan, Melvin's lawyer, following a court appearance in April when Melvin requested a transfer back to federal prison.
That move was opposed by Corrections Canada, prompting Wednesday's hearing.
Possible altercation with guards
Melvin was allegedly involved in an altercation with guards in April, while he was still in custody at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Centre in Burnside. When he appeared in court days later, he had an abrasion on his face and appeared to be in pain when he walked.
He is now facing 17 charges relating to his time in jail. The charges include multiple counts of uttering threats and assaulting a peace officer.
He is due in Nova Scotia provincial court in Dartmouth on May 18 to answer to those charges.
The following day, his case is due back in Supreme Court to discuss when he might go to trial on the murder charge. The earliest dates under consideration are in February and March of next year.