'Justice for Quinn' protesters kept from displaying slogans in Harbour Grace court - Action News
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'Justice for Quinn' protesters kept from displaying slogans in Harbour Grace court

The judge asked protesters to keep their message outside the courtroom during Trent Butt's court date in Harbour Grace on Tuesday.
Outside court, Cindy Cranford and her daughter Sarah held signs and wore shirts in support of Quinn Butt. (Laura Howells/CBC)

The judge asked protesters to keep their message outside the courtroomduring Trent Butt's court date on first-degree murder charges in Harbour Grace on Tuesday.

Butt is accused ofkilling his five-year-old daughter Quinn Butt.

Quinn's memory reverberated throughthestreets of Harbour Grace, which were scattered withpink and purple ribbons and balloons the young girl's favourite colours.

The courtroom was also full of supporterswearing pink and purple clothing and bearing ribbons. A few protesters, however, made more conspicuous statements.

Cindy Cranford and her daughter Sarah brought signs and shirts that read "Justice for Quinn."

Trent Butt is charged with first degree murder in the death of his five-year-old daughter, Quinn. (CBC)

Judge Bruce Short, however,banned them from bringing their shirts and signs into court.Shortsaid he wanted his courtroom to be as objective as possible and that anything that could even implicitly influence the case would not beallowed.

Turned T-shirts inside out

Cindy and SarahCranfordturned their shirts inside out to cover up the "Justice For Quinn" message.

Being asked to stop only made her "more determined" to fight for justice, said Cindy Cranford.

While shedid not know Quinn or her family personally, she thinks "everybody in the province feels they know her now."

"I think this touches everybody," she said, choking up with tears."I think this is a lovely family ... We just want to offer support, that's all."

When they were told they couldn't wear 'Justice for Quinn' shirts inside the courtroom, Cindy Cranford and her daughter turned their shirts inside out. (CBC)

Butt not in court

Trent Butt himself was not in court Tuesday,either in person or via video link as he had appeared before.

His lawyer, Mike King, signed a designation of counsel to appear on Butt'sbehalf.

Butt will appear in court if the case goesto a preliminary inquiry.

King submitted anapplication by phone to open a sealed packet containing information related to warrants.

Court is set to reconvene on Sept. 8, at which time a date will be set for a preliminary inquiry.

Supporters of Quinn Butt sat in the courtroom as Trent Butt's case was called. (Laura Howells/CBC)