A bail hearing is not a bargaining session.
“I’m not negotiating,” stated provincial court Judge Brian Saunderson.
In custody on Monday was Arthur Nelson, 35, who’s charged with theft under $5,000, assault, driving while suspended, driving while prohibited and failing to attend court.
Nelson wanted to post a surety bail, but Judge Saunderson held firm on $3,000, in cash. The judge also noted that Nelson has an appalling criminal record after flipping through a four-page summary of his past misdeeds.
According to Crown prosecutor John Boccabella, Nelson was last arrested on Jan. 9, for allegedly trying to steal bolt cutters from the Walmart store in Courtenay. It is also alleged that Nelson pushed a security guard who tried to stop him as he left the store.
The driving charges were laid in January 2010. Nelson had pleaded not guilty and intended to represent himself, but never showed up for the trial.
At Monday’s bail hearing, Nelson indicated he didn’t have $3,000. As of Thursday, he was still in custody.
at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Victoria.
He’s due back in court, by video, on Monday.