A man accused of threatening to kill politicians in an effort to stop the provincial election wants to delay his trial until he can appear in court in person.
66-year-old George Brake made another appearance in Corner Brook provincial court this morning by teleconference from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s
Today’s appearance was to set a date for trial which would have to happen by videoconference under current COVID restrictions.
Brake’s lawyer, Gary Kearney, says his client is “still hopeful” the restrictions will be relaxed soon so he can attend the trial in person.
Judge Wayne Gorman agreed to delay setting a trial date until March 16th but noted they may have to proceed by videoconference if current COVID restrictions on the courts remain in place.
Brake has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. He was recently found fit to stand trial after a two-week psychiatric assessment at the Waterford Hospital.
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 hunting knives were found in the cab of his 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.
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January 27, 2021 – RCMP Charge Shoal Brook Man, Seize Dozens of Knives Following Arrest in Deer Lake
