The re-trial of a Pembroke man charged with dangerous driving causing death continues this week. Martial Laverdure was charged and sentenced to 22 months in jail after he struck and killed former soldier Ernie Hall following a Pembroke Lumber Kings game. The fatal collision took place in 2015 and Laverdure was found guilty the following year. A re-trial is underway at the Pembroke courthouse because an error was made by the previous judge while analyzing the evidence. Laverdure is expected to be in court for the remainder of the week. On Monday morning, a former OPP officer testified as an expert witness in vehicle fitness and damage analysis. The expert witness testified that the vehicle driven by Mr. Laverdure was in good working condition. All four brakes on the vehicle were functioning properly, there were no steering issues, however it was noted that there was a small exhaust leak which made the vehicle more noisy. Back in June, a witness of the fatal collision said they heard what sounded like a race-car tearing out of the parking lot before the crash. The judge overseeing the re-trial is hoping to have a decision on the matter the week of August 26th if the trial is completed by Friday.
