NEWS FILE PHOTO The Medicine Hat Provincial Court is seen in this file photo.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel
A man accused of stabbing a 72-year-old man at the mall has made his first appearance in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.
Paul Fabreau appeared in person Wednesday after spending three months in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre.
Defence counsel Bradley Bellmore said Fabreau needed to be brought down to the Hat to get in touch with his surety in advance of a bail hearing.
Fabreau was unable to make long-distance calls out of the CRC, Bellmore added.
Counsel requested a one-week adjournment to March 11 to give Fabreau more time to get in touch with his surety.
Judge Eric Brooks ordered the accused to again appear in person, which will guarantee he remain at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre in the event it becomes overcrowded, which could otherwise result in his being transferred back to the CRC Tuesday, the day the sheriffs transfer prisoners as needed.
Police told the News at the time of Fabreau’s arrest that he was sent to Calgary in error.
Fabreau faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon and breach of release documents.
Helmet law challenger gets closer to trial
A man attempting to bring forward a Charter challenge against legislation that allows observant Sikhs to opt out of motorcycle helmet requirements, is inching closer to his day in court.
Troy Fandrick has a pre-trial conference scheduled for March 17, which will be conducted over the phone with his Vancouver-based constitutional lawyer Dustin Klaudt, court heard Wednesday.
Fandrick told the News in November 2018 that he’s challenging the exemption under section 15 of the Charter, which guarantees equality under the law for individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.
His next appearance is scheduled for March 25, where he will likely set a trial date.
