WESTLOCK – A man facing drug trafficking charges has been denied bail after both the federal and provincial Crown prosecutors opposed his release.
Brandon Matthew Kandt appeared by CCTV from Edmonton Remand Centre for his bail hearing in Westlock Court of Justice on Nov. 13. He faces four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking drugs, possession of tobacco that wasn’t stamped, flight from police, dangerous driving, two counts of driving without insurance, possession of property valued over $5,000 obtained by crime, failing to attend court and failing to provide an accident report to police.
Federal Crown prosecutor Erwin Schulz told the court he was opposed on secondary grounds, which relates to whether the accused is likely to commit another offence while released, and tertiary grounds, which is usually reserved for more serious offences and deals with detention to maintain the public’s confidence in the administration of justice.
The federal Crown’s case on the drug trafficking charges is strong, said Schulz.
Provincial Crown prosecutor Eric Mosley opposed Kandt’s release on primary and secondary grounds. Primary grounds address flight risk.
Edmonton defence lawyer Cody Ackland argued for Kandt’s released and proposed a release plan that would see Kandt on 24-hour house arrest at a home in Westlock and putting up a $3,000 cash bail.
Ackland said there are charter issues that he plans to argue before the court.
Justice G. A. Rice noted that the charter issues “aren’t substantial.” He also pointed out that it looked like Kandt is “still tweaking and coming down” off drugs, saying, “He is unable to stand still.”
In addition, he said that Kandt is facing significant jail time if convicted. The federal Crown is proceeding by indictment on the drug trafficking charges, which means more jail time if convicted.
Justice Rice denied Kandt bail on tertiary and secondary grounds.
Kandt was remanded in custody and is scheduled back in court on Dec. 11 to enter a plea.
