Preliminary hearing set for man charged in Pointe-Sapin homicide

A preliminary hearing date was set Friday for Alphonse Daigle, who is accused of killing 52-year-old Andr Desprs earlier this year in a Pointe-Sapin residence.

Daigle, 70, wascharged with first-degree murderin April after police were dispatched to the scene of ashooting in Pointe-Sapin, a small settlement about 130 kilometres north of Moncton.

In Moncton provincial court Friday, Judge Brigitte Volpscheduled a preliminary hearing for Dec. 4 to Dec. 6.

At a preliminary hearing, the Crownpresents the evidence it has assembled against an accused, and a judge determines whether it's sufficient to send the case to trial.

• Case of alleged murder in Pointe-Sapin delayed to mid-August

The hearing dates for Daiglewerechosen after two earlier delays.Daigle previously appeared in court on July 16 and Aug. 16.

During those appearances, defence lawyer Daniel Gallant, who appeared as an agent for TJ Burkeagain on Friday, said the defence needed more time to review the evidence.

Gallant said in court that Daigle will appear in person again in December.