Thomas Ted Barrett murder trial resumes in Cape Breton

Lawyers in the Thomas Ted Barrett murder trial met with a judge behind closed doors Monday inNova Scotia Supreme Court to argue over the admissibility of a videotaped statement made by a witness who is now dead.

• Thomas Barrett murder trial witnesses say he spoke of killing Brett MacKinnon

• Thomas Ted Barrett 'strangled' Brett MacKinnon, witness told police

The Sydney courtroom was closed to the public and reporters because the discussion could involve police informant confidentiality.

The witness, Sheryl Flynn, told police in 2012 that Barrett, 40, admitted he strangled Brett Elizabeth MacKinnon, 21. Flynn died less than a year later of a drug overdose.

Barrettis charged with second-degreemurder in the death ofMacKinnonofGlaceBay.She disappeared in 2006, and her remains were found by hunters nearGlaceBaytwo years later.

Crown attorney DianeMcGrathsaid outside the courtroom thatarguments over theadmissibilityof evidence aretaking longer than first anticipated.

She expects testimony from witnesses to resume on Tuesday.

The trial was adjourned last week to allow time for the Crown and police to locate a key witness.Barrett'sex-girlfriend, AshleyMacDonald,now lives out West.

Crown attorneyKathyPentzhassaid she expectsMacDonaldwill return to testify.