Shrapnel from an exploding pipe bomb nearly struck a sleeping infant in a north Red Deer residence, court heard Wednesday during a bail review for one of three men charged in the incident.
There was no ban on information heard during the review for Kevin Scott Sinclair, 29.
Crown prosecutor Tony Bell told court that the bomb was allegedly planted by one of the men about 1 a.m. on Oct. 20 on the 100 block of Jordan Parkway.
The bomb was filled with ball bearings and explosives and planted under a vehicle parked in a driveway.
It was detonated by one of the three men, who then sped away in a vehicle, Bell said.
The explosion damaged the vehicle and scattered shrapnel in all directions. Several chunks smashed into the house and many pieces penetrated the walls. One chunk narrowly missed the sleeping infant, Bell said.
It caused extensive damage to the car and the house, Judge David Plosz heard.
No one was injured.
The maximum sentence for causing an explosion is life in jail.
Defence lawyer Arnold Piragoff told court that the bomb was only meant as a prank.
Plosz said in denying the bail application that the charges are very serious.
He said Canadians constantly read and hear about these types of bombs killing and injuring Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
“The lives of people were put in jeopardy. This is extremely frightening,” the judge said.
Plosz asked what was the motive for the explosion. None was given.
“Releasing this man is unconscionable,” the judge said.
Sinclair returns to court on Jan. 7 to enter a plea on charges of making an explosive device, causing an explosion and mischief endangering life.
Christopher Sinclair, 27, will appear at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 19 in Red Deer provincial court.
He is charged with making an explosive device, mischief endangering life and using an explosive device. He was denied bail earlier.
The preliminary hearing, which is set to determine if there’s enough evidence to warrant the accused stand trial in Court of Queen’s Bench, is expected to take a full day.
Meanwhile, Michael Toews, 26, of Red Deer, returns to court for sentencing on Dec. 29 after he pleaded guilty in mid-November to making an explosive device for an unlawful purpose.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com