FREDERICTON - A U.S. border official says Gregory Despres, the man on trial for the slaying of an elderly New Brunswick couple, could not be denied entry to the United States even though he had an arsenal of weapons with him.
Tim Donnell, a director of customs and border security at the Calais, Maine, border crossing told court he saw Despres as he approached the crossing on the morning of April 25, 2005.
Donnell says he could see the handle of what turned out to be a sword sticking out of his backpack.
Customs officers also found Despres was carrying a knife, pepper spray, a chainsaw, brass knuckles and a small axe.
Still, Donnell says Despres could not be detained because he had a legitimate U.S. passport.
Despres, 24, of Minto, N.B., is charged with the murders of his neighbours, Fred Fulton, 74, and his 70-year-old wife Verna Decarie.
Despres was arrested in Massachusetts the day the bodies were found.
Donnell said several customs officers in Calais dealt with Despres as they confiscated the weapons and checked his documentation.
He said Despres identified himself as a marine sniper and appeared high on drugs.
