REGINA – Adrian Charles, a former star football player in Saskatchewan, can be released from custody pending an appeal of his conviction and sentence for possession of a prohibited weapon. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal made the ruling on Wednesday.
Charles, 28, was sentenced to three years less two months in jail last month following his conviction in April on the weapon charge, along with cocaine possession and being in a vehicle where he knew a weapon was present.
In allowing Charles to be released, Justice Whitmore found his post-charge conduct is not against the public interest.
“He resides with his mother, in Whitby, who will monitor him to ensure his compliance with any release conditions and will act as a surety,” said Whitmore in his written decision.
“His girlfriend is a nurse in Pickering, Ontario, and is pregnant with Mr. Charles’ child. She also will supervise and monitor Mr. Charles and will act as a surety.
“In short, he appears to have a strong family support and is employed. While facing these charges there have been no issues of any kind.”
The Crown opposed Charles being released, arguing it is in the public interest for him to remain in custody given the crimes involve guns and drugs.
Whitmore has placed conditions on Charles release including residing with his mother in Whitby, complying with a curfew and posting a $2,500 cash bail.
Charles was arrested in 2008 by Saskatoon police after police in Ontario issued a warrant for his arrest on attempted murder charges which were later stayed. During his arrest, police found a loaded handgun and cocaine during a search of his car.
It was the second trial for Charles on the weapons and drug charges. He was acquitted in 2011 when a judge threw out the evidence against him on the grounds police failed to have a Saskatchewan judge authorize the Ontario attempted murder warrants. The Crown won an appeal for a second trial.
No date has been set for the latest appeal.
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