Justin Wiseman faces new assault charge
The man charged in connection with a standoff with police at a home in Mount Pearl in March made another short court appearance Friday, where he was given a new charge.
Justin Wiseman, 26, has been charged with assaulting another inmate at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary June 6. He consented to stay in custody on the matter, and it will make its way through the courts alongside Wiseman’s other outstanding charges.
Wiseman last appeared before a judge last week, when the court heard he wanted to fire his lawyer, Shelley Senior, and have a new one appointed. Senior was still listed as his lawyer Friday.
During many of his court appearances, Wiseman expressed a desire to have his case dealt with, asking to set dates for a preliminary hearing or a trial.
He’s been in custody since March 13, the day of the standoff at the home on Jersey Avenue, when he was arrested for violating his parole. He had been out of jail for about two weeks at that point.
The six-hour standoff ended when police stormed the house after realizing it was on fire. Wiseman was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries before going to Her Majesty’s Penitentiary to serve the remainder of his sentence after the parole violation.
A few weeks later, Police charged him with arson and possession of a weapon (a knife) in connection with the standoff, as well as charges related to a break-in at the Kelsey Drive Liquor Store in St. John’s and a Mount Pearl Marie’s Mini Mart earlier the same day. Wiseman is accused of robbing the convenience store while wearing a mask and carrying a knife and a hammer.
Police also laid charges related to a break-in at an Ultramar station on Bay Bulls Road March 2, and for having possession of a stolen vehicle in the days leading up to the standoff.
Wiseman will be back in court June 29.