A Superior Court Judge has ruled that Michael Rafferty's trial will take place in London. Rafferty is charged with the abduction and first-degree murder of Victoria Stafford.
In a decision released Friday Justice Thomas Heeney writes, "The jury will be instructed that the fact that the accused has been charged with these crimes is not evidence of guilt. They will also be instructed that the accused is presumed to be innocent of these charges."
Heeney goes on to say he believes Rafferty will receive a fair trial because jurors will stay true to their oath to objectively consider the facts of the trial.
The crown attorneys in the case previously consented to moving the trial from Woodstock.
Rafferty's first appearance in a London court is set for April 6, 2011.
