“Oscar Quesnel is Given New Trial When Plea Changed,” The Porcupine Advance (Timmins). June 4, 1942. Page 2, section 1. --- Didn't Understand What the Charge Was When he Pleaded Guilty Yesterday Morning. --- Oscar Quesnel, living at 31 Main avenue in Timmins, was given a two-year term at a special court hearing yesterday morning on a charge of arson when he pleaded guilty to the charge but the decision was later cancelled when Quesnel informed the magistrate that he didn't know what the charge was all about when he pleaded guilty. Magistrate Atkinson allowed his decision to be cancelled, and ordered a trial for next Tuesday afternoon.
Quesnel first appeared to answer the charge at the Tuesday court and at that time he pleaded not guilty and was prepared to proceed, with the case. However, Crown-Attorney S. A. Caldbick was out of town and it wasn't deemed advisable to proceed without a crown prosecutor. On Wednesday morning the assistant Crown-Attorney Mr. J. A. A. Duranceau, of Cochrane, was obtained and the trial was held.
When the defendant pleaded guilty a brief summary of the evidence was presented by Constable Paul Laperriere, of the Provincial Police, and Mrs. Mageau, owner of the barn at Sandy Falls that was demolished by fire.