Accused elects judge alone trial

SYDNEY — A North Sydney man charged in relation to three robberies has waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will now proceed to trial in Supreme Court.

Eric Glen Bartlett, 24, of William Street, is charged with 12 counts of breaching court orders, four counts of robbery, four counts of wearing a disguise in committing an offence, four counts of pointing a firearm, and two counts of uttering threats.

He is charged in relation to three robberies in September 2019 that occurred in Bras d'or, Sydney Mines and Westmount. Bartlett, who continues to be on remand, is now scheduled to appear in Supreme Court March 8 to receive a trial date.

The accused was previously scheduled to have a preliminary hearing in May.

SYDNEY — In honour of International Women's Day on Monday, panellists from four Cape Breton groups will hold a virtual discussion on the theme of challenging gender bias and inequality, and creating a more inclusive world.

The panel will feature the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Cape Breton Partnership and United Way Cape Breton. Members from each group plan to discuss the shared ownership needed to create more inclusive communities.

“We were thrilled to be a partner on this event,” United Way Cape Breton executive director Lynne Mccarron said in a news release. “Each hosting organization is led by a female director, which is certainly worth celebrating and we look forward to hearing the panellists teach us more about gender equality and how we can best establish a gender-balanced world.”

Annette Verschuren, chief executive and chair of Nrstor Inc., will moderate the online event, the release said.

Guest speakers on the panel will include Bradley Sheppard, owner and coach of Sheppard Diversity Training; Mary Beth Doucette, Purdy Crawford chair in Aboriginal Business Studies and an assistant professor at Cape Breton University; Sarah Macrae, owner and coach of SMR Communication and Scott Thomas, a Cape Breton University human rights and diversity officer.

Pre-registration is required for the event, which starts at noon. Contact the United Way Cape Breton for more information.