Robbery case resolution delayed

A Magrath man waiting to resolve nearly a dozen robbery charges will have to wait a while longer while his lawyer, the Crown prosecutor and judge look for a court date when all three are available at the same time.

Derek Ross Blackmer, who is charged with 10 counts of robbery, made a brief appearance in Lethbridge provincial court Friday, but his case was adjourned to allow time to find a suitable date for a sentencing hearing.

Lethbridge lawyer Greg White told court in December the matter had been resolved, but it was adjourned to Jan. 4. On that day White said he couldn't proceed because a “conflict” had developed, and it was adjourned again. On Friday the matter was set for Feb. 2, but likely only to schedule a date for a sentencing hearing.

Blackmer, 31, is accused of robbing 10 Lethbridge businesses, 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 armed with a weapon entered the businesses 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, said one of the men was involved in all 10 robberies, the first of which occurred 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.

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