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The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Trial of Manitoba man accused in wife's death loses another juror

By: The Canadian Press

Posted: 02/9/2012 11:08 AM | Last Modified: 02/9/2012 11:18 AM

WINNIPEG - A second juror has been dismissed in the Winnipeg trial of a Manitoba man accused of killing his wife.

Justice Chris Martin told court the man was allowed to quit because he has sleep apnea — a condition in which a person stops breathing momentarily, causing a disturbed rest.

Martin said he was concerned about the man's ability to pay attention.

There are now 12 jurors hearing evidence in the case of Mark Stobbe, a one-time political adviser who is accused in his wife's death.

Beverly Rowbotham was found in a parking lot in Selkirk, Man., in the fall of 2000 after Stobbe reported her missing.

Another juror was dismissed earlier this week for not showing up.

The trial is expected to be so lengthy that 14 men and women were chosen to hear the case. Recent changes to the Criminal Code allow for larger juries in so-called mega-trials to ensure there are still a minimum number of jurors at the end of the trial.

(CJOB)

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