We'll find out in October if a fatal hit and run case in Ridgetown will get tossed out of court because it's taken too long to go to trial.
John Wilson, 40, of Ridgetown will have a hearing in a Chatham courtroom on October 6, 2025, to hear a delay application from his lawyer.
In Ontario, a delay application is a Charter of Rights application that guarantees the right to be tried within a reasonable time. If the delay is deemed unreasonable, an application can be made to the court to have the charges stayed or dismissed.
Wilson was charged in late 2022 with the death of Wendy Clark, 66, of Howard Township. Clark was struck by a vehicle in broad daylight on Main Street in Ridgetown on October 19, 2022, and died two days later in hospital.
Wilson's case will have eight days of pretrial motions beginning November 10, 2025, if the delay application is rejected in October.
If the delay application is unsuccessful, a 10 day Chatham Superior Court trial will begin with jury selection on March 2, 2026.
Wilson is facing charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene of a collision resulting in bodily harm. An impaired driving charge was dropped in Chatham court in August 2024 because of conflicting evidence.
The case is under a publication ban that prevents more information and evidence from being made public.