Man accused of possessing weapons at hotel loses bid for bail

A 25-year-old man was denied bail on Monday after Brandon police allegedly found him in possession of two knives and a hatchet at a west end hotel.

Seth Scott is charged with three counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon and failing to report to probation.

Scott had an outstanding warrant and was arrested at the Victoria Inn on Sunday shortly before 11 p.m., Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup said in Brandon provincial court.

“I appreciate he’s not caught specifically committing any act with these weapons,” he said.

Lonstrup alleged Scott had a kitchen knife concealed in his hoodie pocket and a pocketknife and hatchet in his backpack.

He said there wasn’t a “contemplatable” bail plan that would be sufficient to justify his release as Scott poses a danger to the community.

Court heard Scott was previously released from custody for a separate matter on June 3 and had been reporting to a probation officer. He’s alleged to have stopped reporting during a 10-day period in July.

Lonstrup said Scott has shown he doesn’t follow through with probation services as required.

Defence lawyer Anthony Dawson said his client has received an education up to Grade 11 and has experienced various forms of abuse throughout his life.

He said Scott’s bail plan would require he reside at an address in Brandon, report to police on a weekly basis, attend court hearings, abide by a curfew, stay in contact with probation and be prohibited from possessing any weapons.

Despite the defence suggesting “reasonable” conditions in the bail plan, Judge Patrick Sullivan said the Crown’s case was “very strong” given that Scott has prior weapons offences and has demonstrated a pattern of failing to comply with court orders.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Scott’s next court date is scheduled for Sept. 1.

» tadamski@brandonsun.com