Dennis Oland preliminary inquiry running behind schedule

A preliminary inquiry in the RichardOland murder case is already falling behind schedule, after only two days.

Dennis Oland. 46, is accused of killing his father nearly three years ago.

The preliminary inquiry will determine if there's enough evidence to go to trial.

Twenty days have been set aside for the hearing, stretching into mid-July.

But Crown prosecutor John Henheffer confirmed outside the Saint John provincial courtroom on Wednesday it's already taking longer than expected.

Most of the first two days have been taken up by the testimony of a Saint John police officer and a review of photo evidence.

Henheffer could not estimate how far behind the hearing is, but said he hopes they can still make up the time along the way.

Some witnesses may take less time than expected, he said.

The hearing resumes Thursday morning at theSaint John Law Courts building.

There's a publication ban on the evidence presented.

Theban may only be lifted if Olandis discharged, or at the end of a trial, if a trial is ordered.

RichardOland, a prominent businessman, was found dead in his uptown office on July 7, 2011. He was 69.

Dennis Oland, his only son, was charged on Nov. 13, 2013. He wasgranted bail on Nov. 18, 2013, on a $50,000 surety posted by his uncle Derek Oland,the executive chairman of Moosehead Breweries Limited.

Dennis Oland has sat in the front row of the courtroom, listening attentively during the first two days of hearing.

He is being represented by two prominent defence lawyers Gary Miller, of Fredericton and Alan Gold, of Toronto.

Oland has had several supporters with him, including hismother, Constance, and his two sisters, Lisa Bustin and Jacqueline Walsh.

A handful of other spectators have also attended the public hearing.

The preliminary inquiry is scheduled tocontinue May 21-23,June 9-12,June 23-24, July 7-10 and July 14-17.

Judge RonaldLeBlanchas been brought in fromBathurstto hear the matter.