Sentencing in North Preston human trafficking case delayed

Sentencing has been postponed for one of two men charged in an alleged human trafficking case in North Preston after the judge decided Friday the trial of the co-accused should be completed first.

Andre Jerome Gray pleaded guilty last month to confinement and common assault. A14-year-old girl accused Gray and another man, Doreze Marvin Beals, of kidnapping and assaulting her, and threatening to force her into prostitution in April 2014.

The trial for Beals in Nova Scotia Supreme Court has dragged on far longer than expected and is still not finished. That created problems for Gray's sentencing.

On Friday, Justice Glen McDougall voiced concerns about hearing evidence and arguments in Gray's sentencing before he decidesBeals' fate.

Gray's sentencing has been put over until Feb. 25, when he will appear before a different judge. The girl is expected to read a victim impact statement into the record at that time.

Beals' trial will resume next Friday, at which time Beals himself is expected to take the stand in his own defence.