MONCTON, NB – A juror’s affiliation to a group on facebook has tripped the reset button on a first degree murder trial in Moncton.

Fred Prosser was to begin standing trial today on charges of first degree murder and sexual assault in the death of Sabrina Patterson.

The 25-year-old mother of two was found dead in the Shenstone area on November 6th, 2010.

Prosser’s judge and jury trial was halted today when the court learned that a member of the jury belonged to an anti-Prosser facebook group.

Justice George Rideout explained to the jury that the risk of the jury being tainted was such that he had no choice but to declare a mistrial.

Crown Prosecutor Mark Savoie says the right decision was taken and adds with the advent of social media it’s a situation the courts need to be more aware of…

“There was plenty of explanation by Justice Rideout about conversations on social media and stuff like that, but still I think we need to increase that to ensure people understand that information posted on social media can have an affect on the partiality of a jury.”  says Savoie.

The facebook affiliation was actually brought to light by a member of the victim’s family.

Dale Patterson Junior, Sabrina’s brother says while they’re disheartened by the delay in proceedings, they want to make sure things are done right…

“We don’t want to go through this all over again… Once is enough so we want it done right.”  says Patterson.

The trial is now scheduled to get underway November 20th.