Published Apr 23, 2025 • Last updated 11 hours ago • 1 minute readDouglas Andrew Smith is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Iris Dodd, who was found dead in their rental home on Pleasant Street in Kingsport, in May 2022. – File Photo by Ian Fairclough /Ian FaircloughThe second-degree murder trial of a Kings County man accused of killing his spouse has been delayed for a year.Douglas Andrew Smith’s 10-day trial was supposed to start May 5 in Kentville Supreme Court but was delayed after the defence needed time to prepare for an issue that came up unexpectedly pertaining to the trial.Because the argument around the application dealt with potential evidence, the details cannot be reported under a publication ban.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentJustice Gail Gatchalian said in her decision earlier this month that the defence has already requested a received an adjournment from the previously scheduled trial in September 2024 because one of the lawyers was unavailable.The defence waived any argument of unacceptable delay under case law that trials in Supreme Court should happen within 30 months.Gatchalian said delays can also impact victims and their families, and others involved in a proceeding.“The scarcity of court time is well known. Scheduling a 10-day trial is difficult. It impacts the availability of court time and judges for other criminal and civil trials,” she said. “With a second potential adjournment, when we are already six months beyond (30-month time limit), it will be imperative to find alternative dates in the near future. This will most certainly mean adjourning other matters that are already scheduled.”Delays can also undermine overall public confidence in the justice process, the judge said, but she said felt she had to allow it.“Having balanced all the relevant factors, I conclude that Mr. Smith’s right to full answer and defence must prevail,” she said. “I grant Mr. Smith’s request for an adjournment of the trial dates.”The trial is now scheduled for April 2026.Smith, now 74, is accused in the death of Iris Dodd.He was charged after police found the 72-year-old woman dead in the couple’s rental property in Kingsport on May 1, 2022.Smith is free on bail.Article content
Murder trial of Kings County man delayed for a year
