Calmer, quieter man released on bail

A Coaldale man who went on a profanity laced tirade in a Lethbridge courtroom last week, was considerably calmer when he appeared in court again two days later.

Cody Gregory Fleming stood calmly and quietly Wednesday in Lethbridge provincial court while lawyers and the judge discussed his case and whether he should be released on bail.

Fleming had hoped to be released from custody last Monday, but his bail hearing was cut short after he repeatedly swore at the judge and claimed his rights were not read to him when he was arrested.

The accused insisted he was being held in custody unlawfully, and demanded a “real judge” hear his case. When Judge John Maher suggested adjourning the bail hearing for another day in front of a different judge, Fleming became even angrier.

Following his bail hearing Wednesday, Fleming was released on $500 bail, with the promise to pay if he breaches any of his release conditions. He was ordered to keep the peace and behave himself, appear in court when directed, to not possess any weapons and not consume alcohol or drugs. He is not to have any contact with his next door neighbours, and he is prohibited from going within 100 metres of their home, church or place of employment.

Maher urged Fleming to take counseling for anger management and possible mental illness. Maher also warned him that if he breaches any of his release conditions, he likely will not be granted bail again and will remain in custody for some time.

The judge had also considered ordering a forensic assessment to determine if Fleming is unfit to stand trial, or whether he was, at the time of the commission of the alleged offences, suffering from a mental disorder so as to be exempt from criminal responsibility. The assessment was not ordered, however.

Fleming faces 21 charges, including threats to cause death or bodily harm, resisting a peace officer, criminal harassment, causing a disturbance by screaming, assaulting a peace officer, mischief and multiple counts of failing to comply with release conditions.

Although details of the alleged offences were presented by the Crown during Monday’s bail hearing, they are subject to a publication ban and can’t be reported.