Tori’s teacher testifies about child’s final day

(Video updated) In a London courtroom, the crown is taking the jury back to April 8th, 2009 as it begins laying out its case against the man accused of killing Tori Stafford.

An OPP officer has been called to the stand. His job was to analyse video from 32 surveillance cameras. He says three cameras from a secondary school adjacent to Tori’s school were pointed towards the street and the retirement home where the crown alleges Michael Rafferty’s car was parked.

Earlier the court heard from Tori Stafford’s grade three teacher, Jennifer Griffin Murrell about the last day at school before Tori disappeared. Crying on the stand she described Tori as a lovely little girl, bubbly and enthusiastic.

She told the court as the students were lined up for the last bell Tori asked her if she could go back to her desk to get her butterfly earrings; then she described how Tori walked out the front door, went around the fence and disappeared from view.

The crown says parents who were around the school when Tori disappeared will also testify before Michael Rafferty’s former girlfriend Terri-Lynn McClintic takes the stand. McClintic has already pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence. The crown alleges stafford was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and badly beaten. Michael Rafferty has already pleaded not guilty.

Tori Stafford’s father Rodney arrived at the courthouse this morning wearing a purple dress shirt – his daughter’s favourite colour – and he brought several purple ribbons to hand out to supporters. Tori’s grandmother is also in court — and told reporters outside the courthouse that she wants to get the trial done with so they can get on with their lives. Tori’s mother Tara McDonald is going to be called as a witness this week.

Video: Al Sweeney reports: