Cassandra Knott found not guilty of murder as cameras roll

Television cameras were allowed to broadcast from inside a Manitoba courtroom for the first time ever Wednesday afternoon as part of a pilot program launched by the province.

That allowed CBC to livestream the not guilty verdict in theCassandraKnott murder trial from the Court of Queens Bench.

Knott was charged with second-degree murder in connection with her husband's death in 2011.

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While cameras rolled, Judge Shane Perlmutterfound her not guilty.

Perlmutter explained his decision by outlining the years of abuseKnotthad endured at the hands of her husband,Orzias Knott.

Over the course of the relationship, the deceased beat the accused with his hands, a flashlight, a two-by-four, a stereo and a clock, said Perlmutter. He burnt her with cigarettes, he called her names such as 'slut, whore and ugly.' He degraded her and told her she was nothing."

Perlmuttersaid the night Orzias died,Knotttried to fend off another attack with a mop, then a steak knife.

Given the unique facts as I have found them in this case, at law, I have concluded that the accused acted in self-defence, saidPerlmutter.Accordingly, the accused is hereby acquitted. I also now direct that the camera be shut off.

Knott family relieved at verdict

Knott cried and hugged family members in court as she fell to the ground after Perlmutterdelivered his verdict.

Knott's uncle, John Flett, was in court for the verdict.

"When you hear that, I'm just relieved," said Flett. "How painful that was,the struggle she went through."

Flett said family textedeach other throughout the proceedings.

"Because it's immediate, you can actually hear what's going on and people get the information right away," said Flett. "They get to know what's really happening."

Feelings mixed about cameras in courtroom

Flettsaid having cameras in the courtroom will make sure the public gets the whole story.

Gerri Wiebe, Knott's defence lawyer, said cameras are going to help give an unbiased view of court proceedings.

"I think that this gives people the opportunity to see the entirety of the case and make their own decision without having to rely on the media to sort of give a version to them."

Winnipeg defence lawyer JayProbersaidthe cameras will help the public better understand what goes on in court.

But not everyone is on board with the program.

Earlier this week, the John Howard Society of Manitoba, an advocacy group for offenders,said cameras would add a layer of artificiality to the courtroom.

"Here I am right now, talking to you, trying not to pay attention to the camera. It puts a level of artificiality on it, said KateKehler, acting executive director of the offender-advocate group."The whole idea is to be getting to the truth of the matter."

Kehleris concerned cameras in the court may have a negative influence on those on trial whether or not a person is exonerated.

Prober disagrees.

I would strongly disagree with the John Howard Society, saidProber.Just as you would be if you're a hockey player on the ice, you're focusing on the game not the people who are watching the game.

Prober said while he is in favour of the program, he acknowledged it could have some impact on clients.

Read the full verdict below