A 46-year old man and his 22-year old nephew were released on bail to attend a funeral.
Jimmy McKay and Edison Thomas were accused of beating a man on June 8th and stealing his mountain bike.
McKay, who is known as a leader and enforcer within the local Wolfpack gang, has 52 entries on his criminal record including 15 for violence, but denies any involvement in the incident.
Thomas already has 33 entries in just 6 years, and was released from jail only 2 days before being allegedly identified by witnesses, beating the 27-year old man.
McKay’s sister, Thomas’s mother, Belrena McKay died last week of an overdose in Nanaimo’s Discontent city.
They men begged the court to allow them out to attend a funeral today for McKay’s sister, and Thomas’ mother Belrena McKay who died last week of an overdose at Nanaimo’s Discontent City.
Judge Ronald Webb said the lack of strength in the crown’s case, combined with the presumption of innocence, was the main reason for granting bail.
The two will be under strict house arrest conditions until their trial.