The start of arguments in the criminal trial of the ArcelorMittal company was delayed Monday at the Sept-Îles courthouse.
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In the morning, judge Vicky Lapierre postponed this stage of the trial until 2 p.m. over the objections of ArcelorMittal’s prosecutor, Mr.e Michel Massicotte. The latter said he was stunned by the late filing of the “authorities’ notebook” by the criminal and penal prosecutor (DPCP).
At the opening of the hearings, this 68-page document had not been sent to the judge by the DPCP, represented by Ms.e Claude Girard. He admitted that he had failed in his responsibility and apologized for it.
Judge Vicky Lapierre told him that he would not benefit from any additional time to present his plea. It must be completed by the end of Tuesday afternoon.
ArcelorMittal is accused of criminal negligence causing injury following a work accident that occurred at its Mont-Wright mining complex, near Fermont, in June 2019.
A mining company worker suffered head injuries after being struck by a piece of metal that came loose from a conveyor.
During the trial, the DPCP attempted to demonstrate that ArcelorMittal managers had long been aware of the danger to which its workers were exposed when they were near the defective equipment.
The trial began in January 2024 and took place intermittently over a period of 28 weeks.
It was marked by numerous delays caused by the filing of motions by the parties. The arguments of ArcelorMittal’s lawyer will begin on January 8.
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