The 24-year-old, charged in relation to a series of crimes committed in the early morning hours Wednesday, made his first appearance in provincial court in Corner Brook Thursday. He entered court wearing a large white bandage taped to the top of his head.
He faces nine charges, including two counts of break and enter, three counts of trespassing, two counts of theft, possession of stolen property, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
Crown attorney Michael Fox told Judge Wayne Gorman the RNC investigation is ongoing, and he was still waiting for further information. Although he was expecting to get it Thursday afternoon, he said he would not have time to decide whether to release Payne or not. Fox also said he may not have time to prepare to conduct a bail hearing Thursday.
Duty counsel lawyer Jodi MacDonald said Payne would prefer to have his matter dealt with as soon as possible, but said the defence also would not be ready for a bail hearing Thursday. The details of a release plan for Payne were being prepared, according to the legal-aid lawyer.
Gorman said the Crown’s request for more time is reasonable, but the judge said Fox should be in position to hold a bail hearing Friday if he does not consent to Payne's release.
Gorman said it was not fair to keep the accused over the weekend without an opportunity to have a bail hearing.
The RNC reported responding to a series of calls between 1-4 a.m. Wednesday. The calls ranged from an attempted break-in of a vehicle, break and enters into two homes, and a car accident.
A vehicle was reported stolen on Greenings Hill, followed by a number of break-ins and thefts, and a single-vehicle accident on Country Road. Police later received a 911 call pertaining to an injured man. He was taken to Western Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment of what police described as serious injuries, and was taken into police custody after he was released from hospital.
Payne will appear in court again today.
churley@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WS_CoryHurley
