There has been a delay in the sentencing of Luke Van Nes in connection with the beating death of a swan in Stratford.
The judge in the case has recused himself, saying he was in conflict because a law firm he was associated with once represented Van Nes's grandparents.
Justice Robert Rogerson reportedly became aware of the potential conflict when he read Van Nes's pre-sentence report.
In September, Van Nes pleaded guilty to beating a swan to death after an evening out drinking with a friend.
The swan, known as Angela, was reportedly beaten with a stick and died of blunt force trauma on May 30, 2010. The eggs in the swan's nest were also destroyed.
The case has stirred a lot of emotion in the community.
June Kinsman isn't happy with the pace of the proceedings. She says "What the outcome of this is, it's going to set a precedent for anyone else who might choose to do the kind of thing Luke did."
Anne Kelly is a friend of the Van Nes family and has been attending the court hearings. She says "I can tell you he's a very personable young kid that made a very bad mistake and is being crucified in the press and by a lot of the citizens of Stratford."
The case has been adjourned until Nov. 22 when new judge can be selected and future court dates set.
Van Nes will then have to re-enter his plea before the new judge, and the case likely won't be resolved until January.
With files from The Canadian Press
