Final arguments were heard on February 2 at the Montreal Courthouse where Godmanchester resident Gary Arnold stands accused of seven charges, including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, extortion, and conspiracy, in connection with the 2020 abduction of an elderly couple from Moira, New York.
During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that Arnold was heavily involved in the plot to kidnap and smuggle Sandra and James Helm into Canada through Akwesasne. The couple was then held at a cottage in Magog before being rescued by a Sûreté du Québec SWAT team two days later. Arnold testified he was threatened into doing various jobs by a man named “Big,” but did not know the jobs were connected to the kidnapping. He insisted he had never met the Helms and was not involved in the plot.
The jury received final instructions from Superior Court Justice Michel Pennou on Monday, before being sequestered on Tuesday. (SR)
