New Brunswick man fit to stand trial

A New Brunswick man facing multiple weapons offences in Cape Breton has been deemed fit to stand trial after a psychiatric assessment.

Andrew Stephen Rees, 29, of Salisbury, is facing 13 criminal offences after Cape Breton Regional Police found him in possession of weapons when he was arrested near the north division office of the police service.

Police have concluded Rees did not have a specific target in coming to Cape Breton and that he could have been on his way to Newfoundland and Labrador via the ferry connection in North Sydney.

He is now charged with transporting a weapon in a careless manner (a sawed-off shotgun); transporting ammunition in a careless manner (.12 gauge); two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (a shotgun and pepper spray); two counts of carrying a concealed weapon (shotgun up his sleeve and pepper spray in his jacket pocket); possession of a firearm with no licence; possession of a prohibited weapon knowing he had no licence; possession of a loaded weapon (shotgun); possession of a weapon and ammunition while prohibited; possession of a stolen vehicle (1995 Mercury Sable); and two counts of breaching his probation by failing to keep the peace; and failing to advise of a change in address.

He is also the prime suspect in an early morning armed robbery earlier this month at a convenience store/gas bar in Moncton where he also allegedly stole a vehicle and drove to Cape Breton.

Rees will continue to be on remand pending the outcome of a bail hearing scheduled for Aug. 11.