Halifax man awaiting murder trial denied bail for the fourth time

William Sandeson, who faces a second murder trial in January, was not present when three justices denied him bail Thursday.

Justice Duncan Beveridge delivered the decision on behalf of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

Taylor Samson was last seen on Aug. 15, 2015. Sandeson was convicted of first-degree murder on June 18, 2017, and that ruling was overturned on June 17, 2020.

There is a publication ban on the evidence, submissions and arguments discussed in court Thursday in order to protect Sandeson’s right to a fair trial.

Crown attorney Glenn Hubbard said in an interview that it’s not unusual to appeal a bail order.

“Anyone can have a bail hearing, and if they disagree with the result, they can appeal to a higher court,” he said.

Hubbard said that’s what Sandeson did. He previously applied for bail three times. When his bail was denied most recently, Sandeson appealed the decision.

“And the Court of Appeal today dismissed his application. So the original bail decisions were upheld,” Hubbard said.

Samson’s mother, Linda Boutilier, was at the hearing. She said she is glad that this bail attempt is over.

“I’m happy with it,” she said.

But as she prepares for the trial in January, she said she’s taking each day at a time.

Samson’s body has never been found.

“I would like to bring him home,” she said.