A man charged with trying to kill a snowmobiler near Port au Port is asking to be released from custody while his case works its way through the courts.
Sixty-six-year-old Wayne Hynes was escorted into Stephenville provincial court yesterday for his bail hearing.
He’s been in custody since his arrest on March 16, following the shocking incident on February 21, in which a man was seriously injured while riding his snowmobile near Hynes’ house.
RCMP have been tight-lipped about the circumstances, but the charges themselves — attempted murder, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm and aggravated assault — tell the alleged tale — that the 26-year-old victim was nearly shot to death.
He reportedly continues to recover from a serious head injury.
The isthmus, known by locals as the Gravels, in Port au Port west where the incident occurred. (Google Maps)
Hynes’ home was searched four days after the incident, followed by his arrest almost a month later.
He’s been in jail since then, and is now seeking release, with almost a half dozen relatives willing to put up cash and vouch for him as sureties.
The bail hearing, which includes a publication ban, began yesterday and should finish today, with the judge’s decision to follow.
However, it is a case of reverse onus, which means Hynes must prove why he should get bail, instead of the Crown proving why he shouldn’t.
