Stafford’s killer will have to wait until at least August for lawyer

(Updated) It will be at least two more months before Michael Rafferty finds out whether he will get a lawyer at taxpayers’ expense.

Rafferty appeared in a courtroom in Toronto’s Osgoode Hall via video link from Kingston Penitentiary where he is serving a life sentence for the 2010 abduction, sexual assault and murder of Tori Stafford, 8, of Woodstock. Tori’s father Rodney shook as he saw Rafferty on the screen, the sight of his daughter’s killer dredging up memories they had put aside since he was convicted last fall.

After the hearing Rafferty said he was so enraged that he wanted to go through the monitor.

Rafferty has already been turned down for legal aid. There is someone working on his case and when the case is heard again on August 12th, the court is expected to decide where the public will have to pay for Rafferty’s lawyer, which could cost as much as $70,000. If this is turned down, Rafferty has the option of using duty counsel.

In the appeal itself Rafferty is expected to argue that the judge in his trial did not properly instruct the jury, and that’s why he will be seeking this appeal.

Rodney Stafford has vowed to come back as many times as it takes, as this process continues. They say they want to move on but add they will never forget, and they will not let the public forget about Tori.

“I’m going through this, and I hate going through it, but at the same time it’s keeping the public out there aware that these people are still out there, there are other monsters out there, and this could happen to any other child.”

Sean Leathong has more details in this report.