Robbery case adjourned for a week

A Magrath man accused of robbing 10 Lethbridge businesses last year was all set to deal with his charges Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court. But when Derek Ross Blackmer stood before the judge, his lawyer was unable to proceed.

“We wanted to resolve it today,” Greg White told the judge.

White explained, however, that a conflict had developed, and he needed time to deal with it. The case was then adjourned to next Friday.

Blackmer, 31, is charged with 10 counts of robbery, the latest of which occurred Aug. 28 of last year at two gas stations in Lethbridge; one at Fas Gas in the 4100 block of 4 Avenue South, and the other at Mac’s Convenience Store in the 100 block of Sunridge Road West.

Police said a man entered the businesses, displayed a weapon and demanded cash before fleeing. No one was injured.

A suspect, as well as another man, was found the following day inside a vehicle in the 1700 block of 17 Street South. Both men were arrested without incident.

Police, who believe the robberies were motivated by drug use, determined one of the men was responsible for a total of 10 robberies beginning in April, while the other had been involved in three.

Joshua Lloyd Alston, 37, is charged with three counts of robbery. He was previously released from custody with conditions, and his next court appearance is set or Jan. 26.

Blackmer was released on bail in October and ordered to live at his parents’ home in Magrath 24 hours a day. He must be accompanied by one of his parents whenever he is away from the home.