R. v. J.M.

J.M. was charged with more than ten offences, including: assault with a weapon, possession of incendiary material, disguise with intent, break and enter into a dwelling, unlawfully in a dwelling, administer a noxious thing, uttering threats to a person, uttering threats to damage property and possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order. The allegations against J.M. were that he forcefully entered into a private residential home while masked and armed with a samaurai sword, a hatchet and gasoline. He is then alleged to have attacked one of the residents of the home and poured gasoline throughout the house with the intention of burning it down. The accused was arrested on scene and taken into police custody. The Crown’s Office was opposing J.M.’s release due to the serious nature of the allegations and his lengthy criminal record which included multiple related entries for weapons offences and violent offences. Jonathan Pyzer represented J.M. at his bail hearing and was succesful in getting him released. This was not an easy fight but Mr. Pyzer was able to convince the Court that the accused could remain in the community pending a trial of this matter and that the right to a reasonable bail and the presumption of innocence should prevail in light of the propsed plan of release.