Casselman in bail court today. New charge added (updated, photo)

The man accused of driving while impaired by the effects of alcohol, hitting and killing Christa Lukenda Michaud is in court today to plead for his freedom while he awaits a trial.

Assistant Crown Attorney Dana Peterson is arguing he should be held until he appears before the court to be tried.

In his defense, attorney Bruce Willson has presented three potential sureties who are willing to guarantee he abides by what ever terms Justice of the Peace of the Ontario Court of Justice Marcel Bedard decides to impose should he choose to grant a release for Casselman.

Three people presented themselves to offer to serve as sureties for him if he were granted bail.

The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. this morning but didn't run for long initially.

About 60 of Lukenda Michaud's friends and family crowded the courtroom when it opened, leaving no room for Casselman's friends and family members.

Willson requested that the Justice either move the hearing to a bigger courtroom or somehow otherwise 'change the dynamics of the room'

Bedard called a 10-minute recess to work out the logistics of maintaining the judicial process in such a small space and the hearing continued with the Lukenda Michaud supporters on one side of the courtroom while Casselman's dozen or so supporters sat on the other side. 

During the hearing Casselman seemed dazed and overwhelmed.

Lukenda-Michaud's family and friends quietly supported one another throughout the testimony offered in the morning. 

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