Appeal in Your Ward News hate case put over after last-minute Zoom schedule

TORONTO — The appeal in the case of two men convicted of promoting hatred against women and Jews has been put over until next month.

The adjournment came after Toronto editor James Sears said he was expecting to argue his appeal in person.

Instead, a judge late Friday ordered the hearing to go ahead Tuesday via video link but the self-represented Sears said he was not equipped to proceed.

The appeal in Ontario Superior Court is now due to pick up Nov. 10.

Sears and the publisher of Your Ward News, Leroy St. Germaine, were convicted last year of promoting hatred.

Both men are arguing the trial judge made several errors.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Oct. 13, 2020.

The Canadian Press