Lawyer for Quinn Butt's accused killer looking at preliminary inquiry

HARBOUR GRACE, N.L. — The lawyer for a Carbonear man accused of murdering his five-year-old daughter is apparently willing to test the strength of the prosecution’s case against his client.

Trent Spencer Butt did not appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court Tuesday, but defence lawyer Mike King made mention of his intention to set dates for a preliminary inquiry when the case returns to court in September. That court date is set for Sept. 8 in St. John’s.

Butt is accused of murdering his five-year-old daughter Quinn inside his house on Hayden Heights in Carbonear. The home was already on fire when authorities were called in April 24. Butt is also charged with arson and has not entered any pleas.

King filed an application this week to open the warrant and induction orders, which Crown prosecutor Lloyd Stickland indicated he was agreeable to. King said he will need time to review the evidence related to that request between now and Butt’s next court date.

Before the lawyers had a chance to talk Tuesday, Sheriff’s Officers told some supporters of the victim not to wear shirts or hold signs relevant to Quinn’s death or the case while inside the courtroom.

After Judge Bruce Short entered, he told those seated in the gallery the order came from him. The judge said there’s a need for people in his position to remain objective, stating anything that could implicitly influence his judgment has no place in the courtroom.

Trent Spencer Butt did not appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court Tuesday, but defence lawyer Mike King made mention of his intention to set dates for a preliminary inquiry when the case returns to court in September. That court date is set for Sept. 8 in St. John’s.

Butt is accused of murdering his five-year-old daughter Quinn inside his house on Hayden Heights in Carbonear. The home was already on fire when authorities were called in April 24. Butt is also charged with arson and has not entered any pleas.

King filed an application this week to open the warrant and induction orders, which Crown prosecutor Lloyd Stickland indicated he was agreeable to. King said he will need time to review the evidence related to that request between now and Butt’s next court date.

Before the lawyers had a chance to talk Tuesday, Sheriff’s Officers told some supporters of the victim not to wear shirts or hold signs relevant to Quinn’s death or the case while inside the courtroom.

After Judge Bruce Short entered, he told those seated in the gallery the order came from him. The judge said there’s a need for people in his position to remain objective, stating anything that could implicitly influence his judgment has no place in the courtroom.