One of two suspects from a robbery at a Red Deer pizza store earlier this year is back in custody after missing a scheduled court appearance in May.
Ernest Leslie Bedore, 42, pleaded not guilty in Red Deer provincial court on Tuesday to charges of robbery, forcible confinement and choking with intent to overcome resistance in connection with an alleged robbery at Domino’s Pizza on 45th Street and 50th Avenue at 11 p.m. on Jan. 30.
Bedore had made a series of court appearances, but had not yet entered a plea when he was granted bail on April 17.
A warrant for his arrest was issued when he missed court on May 8.
Back in custody and represented by defence counsel Craig Paterson of Ponoka, Bedore asked on Tuesday to be tried in the Court of Queen’s Bench, with a preliminary hearing to test the Crown’s case before proceeding to trial.
He is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 25 for a bail hearing on additional charges, including breaches of release conditions.
Co-accused David Fehr, 45, was also arrested in connection with the Jan. 30 robbery. Fehr pleaded guilty on March 15 to the robbery charge and was sentenced to 21 months in jail followed by 12 months on probation. The forcible confinement and choking charges were withdrawn as a result of his guilty plea.