OSHAWA, Ont. - The trial has been delayed for a 12-year-old Ontario boy accused of assaulting and robbing an 11-year-old who committed suicide the day he was subpoenaed to testify in the case.
Police allege the boy attacked Mitchell Wilson of Pickering, Ont., whose parents say committed suicide earlier this month because he was being bullied.
On Wednesday, the trial in Oshawa was adjourned until November to allow the prosecution more time to prepare following Mitchell's death.
Durham regional police allege the suspect slammed Mitchell's face into the sidewalk and stole his iPhone last November.
Craig Wilson, Mitchell's father, says his son suffered panic attacks and severe depression following the incident.
Mitchell, who suffered from muscular dystrophy, had been served with a subpoena on the day he died.
Wilson said his son was afraid to face his alleged attacker in court.
"It was a fearful day for him and it would have been a tough day for him to come," Wilson said. "Obviously, he was so fearful that he did what he did."
Mitchell's tearful grandmother also spoke outside court, calling her only grandchild an "angel."
"It isn't OK to beat up a little disabled kid and get away with it," she said. "It just isn't right."
"It's broken my heart to lose my grandson."
The Crown has until Nov. 21 to decide how to proceed.
