HAILEYBURY, Ont. — The accused in the Nov. 3, 2024, attempted murder of Cobalt teen Kaylie Smith remains behind bars as attorneys go through the preliminary stages of their respective cases.
Phillip Gagnon, 18, of Haileybury appeared virtually in the Haileybury Ontario Court of Justice on Tuesday morning from North Bay Jail on an allegation of breach of conditions dating back to 2024. After a brief discussion between Justice G.R. Maille, the Crown and defence attorneys, the matter was adjourned until Jan. 28.
Gagnon was also charged by the OPP with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose stemming from the attack on Smith on Nov. 3, 2024, in addition to the breach of a conditional sentence order charge and earlier, separate charges of assault and unlawful entry,
Gagnon stands accused of ramming Smith, his 16-year-old former girlfriend, with an SUV and attacking her with a sword on Nov. 3, 2024, in Cobalt. Gagnon has been incarcerated at the North Bay Jail since his arrest shortly after the incident.
See related: Prosecution of accused in Kaylie Smith attack a 'major case'
Police investigated the attack as a case of intimate partner violence. Smith survived after suffering life-threatening injuries. Her left hand was completely severed and her right hand was severely damaged. She also needed 16 hours of brain surgery after suffering wounds to the back of her head. Smith continues what her family has said will be a long recovery.
Gagnon's virtual court appearances have met with protests in Haileybury from supporters of Kaylie Smith intended to keep the accused in jail.
None of the allegations have been tested in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
See also: Attempted murder charge laid in Cobalt after vehicle hits 16-year-old pedestrian
North Bay attorney Andrew Perrin will lead Gagnon's defence. Fellow North Bay lawyer Rory Currie, acting on Perrin's behalf, confirmed a CPT had taken place and anticipated further discussions between the two sides. At a Crown pre-trial (CPT) meeting, the Crown and defence discuss the case, including the Crown's position on resolution and sentence, and whether the case will be proceeding to trial.
Gagnon's defence team proposed an adjournment until Jan. 28 to continue "discussions with the Crown's office about what direction we can take this matter."
See: Suspect in Cobalt attack remains in jail
Crown attorneys David Kirk and Serge Hamel are the prosecuting attorneys. Kirk acknowledged having a preliminary conversation with the defence, calling it "very cursory in nature. We should set up a further CPT."
Kirk revisited a discussion held in open court in late November 2024. "Disclosure is ongoing. It's a large, comprehensive investigation and we are diligently working on getting materials," to send to the defence.
