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Prescription drugs create wrinkle in machete attack sentencing

The defence has an opportunity now to determine if it wants to apply to re-open the case
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The Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse is pictured in this file photo. Michael Purvis/SooToday
Andre Duplin's sentencing for a brutal machete attack on his nephew has been delayed for a second time this month.

The hearing was slated to take place Thursday, but was adjourned after Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni raised an issue about information contained in a pre-sentence report.

The Sudbury judge pointed to a paragraph regarding substance abuse and addictions.

It indicated that after Duplin was taken into custody for the June 7, 2016 assault medical staff raised a concern about the nine prescription medications he was taking and adjustments were made.

The court took a break, during which defence counsel Jennifer Tremblay-Hall made some inquiries about the report.

When the matter resumed she asked for an adjournment so the defence could explore the prescription issue and obtain the source of that information in the report.

Buttazzoni agreed to the request, saying the issue "appears germane on its face."

The adjournment will give Tremblay-Hall an opportunity to determine if the defence wants to make an application to re-open the case or go ahead with sentencing.

Duplin, 72, will return to court Jan. 21, at which time a date will be set to go ahead with whatever option the defence decides it wants to pursue.

The central issue at his nine-day trial was whether he intended to kill the victim.

Buttazzoni found him guilty of attempted murder on Nov. 30, calling the attack on Larry Paquette "vicious, unprovoked and life threatening."

Paquette was asleep in a chair at his Aweres Township home when he awoke to his "favourite uncle" repeatedly slashing him on the head with a machete that had a 16-by-3-inch blade.

He received seven blows to his head, resulting in serious fractures to his skull.

As well, he was struck 15 times on his hands and arms as he tried to defend himself.

The pair had spent the day drinking and smoking marijuana.

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About the Author: Linda Richardson

Linda Richardson is a freelance journalist who has been covering Sault Ste. Marie's courts and other local news for more than 45 years.
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