Man accused of Sudbury murder hospitalized with COVID-19 after jail outbreak
The man who is accused of Renee Sweeney's 1998 murder in Sudbury has been hospitalized due to COVID-19, his new lawyer says.
Robert Steven Wright has been at the Sudbury jail since his arrest in December 2018.
A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the facility on Oct. 15 prompting the jail to shut down and prisoners to be transferred. At last count 59 cases were connected to the jail outbreak.
Michael Lacy told Justice Patricia Hennessy in an assignment court Zoom call that Wright was not in attendance Tuesday morning because he has been hospitalized in Toronto with the disease.
Lacy became Wright's counsel less than a month ago when Berk Keaney stepped aside citing a conflict of interest.
Crown Attorney Kevin Ludgate and Lacy told the court they have agreed upon tentative dates for the case next year.
The murder trial by jury is tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 12, 2022.
None of the allegations has been proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Help on the way for central Newfoundland fire Premier says is largest since 1961
The rapid growth of a long-burning forest fire in central Newfoundland has triggered a state of emergency in the area and the expansion of an outdoor fire ban to the entire province.

Air Canada denying passenger compensation claims for staff shortages, citing safety
Air Canada denied a customer complaint and instructed employees to classify flight cancellations caused by staff shortages as a "safety" problem, which would exclude travellers from compensation under federal regulations. That policy remains in place.
Multiple people in hospital, suspect shot after machete attack on Vancouver's Granville Street
Five people, including a suspect, were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a violent incident that drew a massive police presence to downtown Vancouver's main entertainment district Saturday night.
Montreal Pride parade cancelled hours before event due to lack of volunteers
Montreal's Pride Parade has been cancelled due to a lack of volunteers able to guarantee a secure event.
'Amanda got justice': Dutch man accused in B.C. teen sextortion case found guilty on all charges
A Dutch man accused of tormenting British Columbia teen Amanda Todd via online threats has been found guilty of all charges he faced in connection with the case, a jury ruled on Saturday.
Best time to see the Perseids meteor shower could be this weekend
While the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, one of the brightest of the year, may be next week, now may be the best time to see the astronomical event, according to The Weather Network.
Hundreds forced out of their homes as Okanagan wildfire rages on in B.C.
An evacuation order remains in effect in Olalla, a community just north of Keremeos, B.C., as a wildfire classified as 'out of control' continues to grow, impacting nearby residents.
Ottawa on track to spend $200M per year on cannabis for veterans
Ottawa is reimbursing a record number of veterans for medical marijuana, with new figures showing the federal government shelled out more than $150 million in the last fiscal year -- more than double the amount just three years ago.
Actress Anne Heche has 'long recovery ahead' after car crash
Anne Heche remains hospitalized and in intensive care after a car she was driving crashed into a residence in Los Angeles on Friday and became engulfed in flames.