The Calgary murder trial of Robert Joseph Matthews took a dramatic turn this week when defence counsel requested the removal of a witness's father from the courtroom after he allegedly called the accused a 'scumbag' during his son's testimony.
Courtroom Confrontation Disrupts Proceedings
On Monday, November 10, 2025, defence lawyer Rebecca Snukal asked Justice Lisa Silver to take the unusual step of banning the father from the courtroom gallery, arguing her client felt intimidated. The incident occurred while the man's son, who cannot be identified because he was a youth at the time of the offence, was testifying against Matthews in Calgary Court of King's Bench.
The now-19-year-old witness was convicted of manslaughter last month for his role in the September 9, 2023 fatal shooting of homeless Calgarian Jordan Jacques-Vetten. The Crown believes Jacques-Vetten was killed during a botched robbery on a quiet residential street in the northwest community of Capitol Hill.
Father's Outburst Prompts Legal Response
According to Snukal, the confrontation occurred when the witness's father and another man entered the courtroom and sat in the front row. 'Apparently when the witness's father came into the courtroom and sat down he looked at Mr. Matthews,' Snukal told the court. 'Mr. Matthews unfortunately looked at him and the witness's father said the word "scumbag."'
A courtroom sheriff confirmed the comment had been made. Snukal argued the incident left her client 'very upset and obviously distracted' and compromised his right to a fair trial. She emphasized that Matthews has the right to concentrate on evidence without being intimidated or insulted.
Judge Issues Warning Instead of Removal
Despite the defence's concerns, Justice Silver agreed with Crown prosecutor Hyatt Mograbee that a warning would suffice rather than removing the father from proceedings. Silver addressed the father directly, stating: 'I control this courtroom and I make it safe for everyone including the accused person who's before the court who has the right to a fair trial just like your son did.'
The judge issued a stern warning: 'I am warning you sir that if any other misconduct comes to my attention I will ask you to leave and not return.' The witness's testimony, which could last for days, continues as Matthews faces second-degree murder charges for Jacques-Vetten's death.
