Citing concerns about her mental health and the public safety, a judge has ruled that a woman accused of stabbing a nurse at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre will remain in custody.
Meghan Claire Dion, 34, of Red Deer demanded a bail hearing on Wednesday in Red Deer provincial court before Judge Bert Skinner.
Dion had been granted court appointed counsel, who will be assigned within the next 14 days. However, she was insistent that she get a bail hearing on Wednesday.
Skinner advised her that it was in her best interest to wait until appointed counsel could be put in place. She was adamant she wanted a bail hearing that afternoon.
Crown prosecutor Ed Ring echoed Skinner’s concerns with regard to proper legal representation to ensure Dion’s interests were equally represented as the Crown’s.
Skinner told Dion that if he were to oppose her release from custody, she would have to seek a bail review in Court of Queen’s Bench if she was still interested in seeking release after the hearing.
Dion held firm in her desire to have a bail hearing on Wednesday and said she would be representing herself.
Dion is charged with attempted murder, assaulting a peace officer, four counts possession of stolen property under $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
The attempted murder charge was laid in relation to a March 6 stabbing at the hospital. During the incident, a female nurse was stabbed numerous times in what police called a targeted attack.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.
Dion will remain in custody until her next court date, scheduled for April 29 in Red Deer provincial court.