Trial begins for home invasion linked to fatal Morin Street shooting

The trial of two men charged in connection with a home invasion police have linked to a fatal shooting began Friday with the judge imposing an interim publication ban.

The Crown filed an application seeking a court order to prohibit reporting the evidence and served notice of its intention to Sootoday and The Sault Star earlier this week.

After hearing from the prosecutor and defence on Friday, Ontario Court Justice Romuald Kwolek delayed his decision for a week so that two other media outlets can be given notice.

He imposed a temporary ban, indicating he will make a ruling on Dec. 21 when the trial resumes.

Under Friday's order, any evidence, information given or representations made can not be published.

Dallas Solomon, 24, and Branden Hartling, 27, each pleaded not guilty to five charges stemming from a February incident that occurred in the 400 block of Morin Street.

The pair face counts of break and enter to commit an indictable offence, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon (a large machete), being masked while committing an indictable offence, and breach of probation.

Assistant Crown attorney David Didiodato is prosecuting the case. 

Jennifer Tremblay-Hall is Solomon's lawyer, while Eric McCooeye is representing Hartling.

Following the arrest of the two accused, city police confirmed in March that the charges were connected to the shooting of Christopher Swanson.

The 23-year-old man died after being shot during an altercation in the early morning hours of Feb. 10 at the Morin Street residence.

Joshua McCabe, 30, is charged with second-degree murder.

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