Man charged in weekend stand-off urged by judge to seek counsel

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 13, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A man charged with pointing and firing a handgun during a stand-off with police last weekend will remain in jail this week and was strongly advised to talk with a lawyer.

Barry Reed, 67, was the subject of a bail hearing during an appearance in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on Wednesday, but told the court he would like the matter dealt with as quickly as possible.

Judge Michelle Christian however, told the man that an amended list of charges presented by prosecutors carried with them mandatory prison penalties of no less than five years.

“I suggest you first review the disclosure from the Crown … to be fully apprised of the allegations,” she told him via a video feed with the Medicine Hat Remand Centre.

“This should not be lightly entered into.”

Reed was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon after police reported they used “less-lethal weapons” to subdue a man following a domestic incident in north Medicine Hat.

Prosecutors presented a replacement list of charges on Wednesday, alleging 23 charges including assault with a weapon, making threats to cause harm, recklessly discharging a gun, pointing a firearm and a variety of weapons offences.

The matter was adjourned for a week, during which time, Reed indicated, he would discuss the matter with Legal Aid.

COVID slowdown

Lawyers, judges and other officials continued to reschedule and adjourn proceedings to comply with operational orders brought in to combat the spread of the Omicron COVID variant.

As of Jan. 4, all non-urgent trials and other hearings which involve out-of-custody persons were to be adjourned to at least Jan. 21, and other matters, including docket court, are to be conducted virtually.

On Wednesday in Medicine Hat Provincial Court’s docket session, the lawyer for one defendant requested a potential sentencing be delayed until at least Feb. 1 because prison officials wish to avoid any unnecessary intake of prisoners at this point.

Another defence attorney who was self isolating, rescheduled a trial for May, originally set for next week.

Traffic court is closed to all in-person appearances. Civil and non-urgent family court matters are proceeding as scheduled only if dealt with through online hearing or by telephone.

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