A man facing four years of outstanding warrants teared up in the prisoner’s box Wednesday when he was denied bail.
Brandon Kevin Wattie, 27, was arrested three weeks ago on a series of warrants dating back to 2009 for offences including gun trafficking, pointing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of firearms obtained by the commission of an offence, dangerous driving and uttering threats.
Wattie’s attorney, Michael Scrase, suggested in Red Deer provincial court that Wattie was able to offer up to a $2,000 cash bail. He said Wattie was unaware of some of the charges. Judge Gordon Yake said “I don’t believe it,” and told Scrase to move on.
Scrase said Wattie had employment, had a letter from his stepfather, and said Wattie was ready to move back into his mother and stepfather’s residence if released on bail.
Yake said he took into account the seriousness of the charges and the duration of Wattie’s time at large when he denied Wattie’s bail. Five public interest warrants were filed against Wattie, who was charged in his absence at the time of each of the alleged offences.
“His parents are willing to put him up,” Yake told the defence. “Good for you, but the rest of society may not be so masochistic.”
Wattie will be back in Red Deer provincial court on Aug. 14, where he will appear by closed-circuit television.