Bail denied for one of three charged in case where woman was confined, robbed, beaten and extorted

Three people arrested last week for forcibly confining, robbing, beating and extorting a woman each made their first appearance on the matter Tuesday in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Matthew Babitzke, 30, who appeared behind the prisoner’s box sporting a black eye, was denied bail by Judge Dietrich Brand, while coaccused Theresa Babitzke — his mother — and Amanda Kaye had their charges adjourned to seek counsel.

Theresa and Kaye appeared briefly via closed-circuit TV from the Medicine Hat Remand Centre.

Although Matthew has no criminal record, the Crown noted he faces numerous charges over the past year, including two counts of failure to attend court and one breach of bail conditions.

“I’m quite concerned about Mr. Babitzke not attending court,” the prosecutor said, adding that he didn’t turn himself in to police after his breaches. “Almost every month there’s a new offence.”

At one point during the proceeding, duty counsel Ian Baird had to stop Matthew from interrupting the Crown prosecutor as she read out his charges.

“This isn’t a trial,” Baird stressed. “You’re presumed innocent.”

In arguing for release on $500 cash bail, Baird focused on Matthew’s struggles with alcoholism.

Although he hasn’t drank for a year, he’s “swapped one addiction for another,” which is complicated by the fact that Theresa is an alleged methamphetamine dealer.

“It’s known that this woman deals drugs,” said Baird. “He’s in this awkward position.”

The Crown alleges the victim entered Theresa’s residence the night of Oct. 24, where she was tied to a chair overnight with a ribbon while being beaten with a metal pipe, robbed and extorted.

Matthew allegedly untied the complainant after she had managed to quickly call 911 before hanging up.

When the police arrived, the victim’s right eye was bruised, nose was bloody and wasn’t wearing shoes.

Matthew is due back in court Nov. 13, while Theresa had her matters adjourned to Nov. 1 and Kaye until Nov. 6.