A St. John’s man charged over the weekend with attempting to murder one woman and destroying the property of another was back in court Tuesday.
Michael Hannaford, 26, bent down so far in the prisoner’s dock in an attempt to hide from media cameras that only the top of his back was visible until he was forced to stand as the judge entered the room.
Hannaford is alleged to have tried to murder a woman, pointed a rifle at her, caused her bodily harm by assaulting her and threatened her life last Friday.
He is also charged with destroying the property of a second woman on the same day.
As well, Hannaford is facing other charges related to the rifle: careless use of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon.
Hannaford wasn’t charged with attempted murder or any weapons offences when he was arrested on Friday, after police were called to a report of a disturbance in the west end of St. John’s. It was only later, after more investigation, that some of the more serious allegations were made.
Wearing a white police-issued jumpsuit, he made a quick appearance before a judge Saturday morning, where he was formally charged.
Tuesday morning, he consented to stay in custody to await his next court appearance on June 6.
Twitter: @tara_bradbury
