The three men who escaped from a Quebec prison earlier this month were back in court Thursday to set a trial date.
Serge Pomerleau, Denis Lefebvre and Yves Denis were arrested Sunday in Old Montreal after escaping from the Orsainville detention centre in a helicopter.
They were awaiting trial in Quebec City on murder and drug charges, and after three and a half years of delays their lawyer feared the escape may delay the trial even more.
As a result the three accused appeared briefly via videoconference, where it was agreed they would finally get their trial this coming January.
A publication ban prevents more details from being published.
In a brief statement to the media, one of their lawyers said the escape attempt was understandable, given the slow pace of our justice system.
Meanwhile the Sureté du Quebec is confirming they're close to making arrests among the alleged accomplices who helped the men in their daring helicopter escape.
Police are looking for Simon Bedard, who rented the apartment on their behalf, and they also searching for Maxime Lefebvre, the son of escapee Denis Lefebvre, who happens to be a helicopter pilot.
A third, unidentified man who provided food, clothes, and money to the trio is also being sought.
