The fate of two men accused of starting a house fire in Dauphin three years ago won't be known until a later date.
27-year-old Sean and 25-year-old Seamus Nepinak are facing four counts of arson and one count of participating in the activities of a criminal organization. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Closing statements were made Tuesday. Wednesday, the defence for each man argued for a stay of proceedings, saying their clients' Charter rights had been breached due to the justice process taking more than 30 months, and citing precedence. The defence acknowledged there are exceptions to the rule, but felt the requirements aren't met in this case.
The crown said a stay is not warranted, arguing a transitional exception circumstance. The crown argued the case is at least moderately complex, and felt the seriousness of the charges outweigh the prejudice to the accused. The crown also argued that such serious charges couldn't be stayed without the public losing faith in the administration of justice.
Justice Zinchuk will be making her decisions at a date not yet known.
