PICTOU – The preliminary inquiry for a Pictou County man charged with kidnapping and murdering Amber Kirwan started in provincial court Monday.
Christopher Alexander Falconer, 30, was escorted into the Pictou courtroom by sheriffs for the start of the inquiry that is expected to last 15 days.
The proceedings started with the Crown and defence requesting a publication ban on all evidence brought forward during inquiry.
Judge Del Atwood granted the request, adding that the ban on the publication or broadcasting of information on evidence from the inquiry also includes social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Falconer is charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in relation to the death of 19-year-old Kirwan who went missing in October 2011. Her remains were found in Heathbell about a month later.
Dressed in a bright orange T-shirt and pants, Falconer listened quietly as three witnesses were called by the Crown and cross-examined by this lawyer Mike Taylor.
About a dozen people were in the courtroom during the afternoon proceedings, including Kirwan's parents. The inquiry continues Tuesday morning.
Falconer, who is already housed in Dorchester Penitentiary for a parole violation on an unrelated conviction, will be remanded to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside for the duration of the inquiry.
