Two cases involving recent shootings in the St. John’s region were called in provincial court today.

But one of them had to be postponed when a judge had a serious reaction to perfume in the scent-free courtroom.

This was supposed to be Day Two of the bail hearing for Anthony Crocker who’s facing multiple gun charges and aggravated assault after a shooting on Gilbert Street a month ago.

But shortly after entering the courtroom, the judge, who has a severe scent allergy, began having trouble speaking and catching her breath. She said she was aware of a scent in the room, and asked the person responsible to leave the courtroom.

With that, and out of concern for the judge, lawyers proposed a recess to literally clear the air, but in the end, it was agreed to try again on Tuesday. The judge also apologized to Mr. Crocker for the delay and thus continued stay at the penitentiary.

It was later learned that the person wasn’t wearing perfume but had been exposed to it at work.

Shooting Spree Case Update

Meanwhile, there was some progress in a separate case involving a shooting spree in mid to late May.

Brandon Chafe, Thomas Barnes and Abigail Gillingham face dozens of weapons offences, including trafficking, as well as possession and careless use of illegal firearms.

Chafe is also charged with attempted murder, while Barnes is charged with aggravated assault after the shooting of a man in the Goulds in mid-June.

Chafe remains in custody at HMP pending the next court date for all three on September 16.