Jean-Claude Savoie makes 1st court appearance in Barthe brothers' python deaths

The former owner of a Campbellton pet store,charged in connection with the deaths of two young brothers killed by an escaped python, appeared in court on Thursday.

Details about the Court of Queen's Bench hearing for Jean-Claude Savoie, 39, cannot be reported, due to a publication ban.

Savoie, who now lives inMontreal,is scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 31 on one count of criminal negligence causing the deaths of six-year-oldConnor Barthe, and his four-year-old brother, Noah.

The boys were asphyxiated by an African rock python in August 2013.

Savoie has stayed out of the public eye since then. He wasnoticeably absent throughouthis preliminary inquiry last fall.

Thursdaywashisfirst court appearance in the matter. He entered with his defence team, led by Leslie Matchim.

Savoie did not look at the cameras following him and did not make any comment.

The paternal grandparents of Connor and Noah were in court forThursday's hearing. They have attended every court date so far in the case.

The boys were killed in their sleep in Savoie's apartment, while ata sleepover with Savoie's son.

It is believed the snake, which was 4.3 metres long and weighed about 45 kilograms, escaped its enclosure in the apartment, got into theventilation system, then fellthrough the ceiling of the room in which theBarthebrothers were sleeping.

Theapartment was located above Savoie's Reptile Ocean pet store and zoo, which provincial officials have said was unlicensed.

Two weeks have been set aside for hisjudge and jurytrial.

The maximum sentence for criminal negligence causing death is life imprisonment.