A shrill, persistent echo punctuated by loud beeps nearly derailed what is believed to be the first virtual murder trial in Ontario earlier this month.
Presiding over the virtual courtroom from his home, Ontario Superior Court Justice John McMahon attempted to fix the issue alongside lawyers and court staff as they waited for Michael Colatosti to appear by video conference from the Toronto South Detention Centre. “For whatever reason, this is not working right now,” an exasperated McMahon said a few minutes later, ready to call it a day.
In the end, a suggestion from the defence — that everyone mute their phone and computer microphone _ resolved the problem and allowed the hearing to move forward, despite a few more technological glitches.