George Brake has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he threatened to kill local politicians in an effort to stop the provincial election.
That would normally set the wheels in motion for a trial. But that’s now on hold after Brake said he should be given the right to appear in court in person, which is not possible under current COVID-19 lockdown provisions.
Last week, 66-year-old Brake was found fit to stand trial after a two-week psychiatric assessment at the Waterford Hospital.
On Wednesday, Judge Wayne Gorman denied bail, deciding the risk of releasing him to be too great.
This morning in Corner Brook, Brake listened in via teleconference from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary as the Crown chose to proceed by summary offence, considered the less serious path through provincial court. But when the time came to set a trial date, Brake interrupted and asked to speak with his lawyer.
When they resumed, Judge Gorman noted the case could proceed via teleconference or videoconference, but Brake said that was unacceptable to him, adding he’s content to stay at the penitentiary until he can appear in court himself.
Brake was arrested on the morning of January 26 outside the office of a Deer Lake candidate after leading RCMP on a high-speed chase along the Trans-Canada Highway and through the town. Police have said they received a critical tip about Brake’s plans, but they haven’t said who called it in.
36 different types of hunting knives were found in the cab of Brake’s pickup.
Brake faces charges of possessing weapons for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and fleeing from police. Two firearms charges were also added following a search of his residence in Shoal Brook.
The case is postponed until March 5 while the parties involved ponder their next steps.
Related Stories:
January 27, 2021 – RCMP Charge Shoal Brook Man, Seize Dozens of Knives Following Arrest in Deer Lake
February 16, 2021 – Judge Denies Bail for Man Who Allegedly Threatened the Lives of Politicians