Accused rioter freed on bail
A 23-year-old Burnaby man, held in custody on charges relating to the Stanley Cup riot, was released on bail on Thursday afternoon.
Dustin Anderson, who turned himself in Wednesday, was released on a $1,000 bond and ordered to be back in court on Jan. 26.
Anderson is charged with participating in a riot and two counts of assault for his alleged behaviour the night of the final game of the Stanley Cup finals in June 2011. A publication ban on the bail hearing at Vancouver Provincial Court was put in place for yesterday’s proceedings.
Prosecutor Tara Laker had asked that Anderson remain in custody until the charges were dealt with.
But provincial court Judge William Kitchen released Anderson on a promise to appear later this month. Kitchen also noted holding somebody in custody on riot charges could take “months or years” before the final outcome.
Anderson was also given a curfew of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and was to report to a bail supervisor.
Three others alleged to be involved in the Stanley Cup riot also had court appearances.
Emmanuel Alviar, 20, who is charged with participating in a riot and mischief, said he was seeking to hire a lawyer and will be back in court on Feb. 13.
Connor Epp, 20, who is charged with participating in a riot and mischief, had his charges put over to Feb. 16, and Matthew Cottrell, 23, who is charged with participating in a riot and break and enter, is in court Feb. 13.
Crown has approved 77 charges against 30 accused rioters and police have recommended 215 charges against 80 suspects. All charges relate to the mob riot after the Canucks lost Game 7 to the Boston Bruins. The rampage caused more than $5 million in damage to Vancouver’s downtown core.