Samra peace-bond case put off until April 10

The first court appearance to address a prosecutor’s application for a peace bond for Tracy Samra, Nanaimo’s chief administrative officer, has been adjourned to April 10.

A special prosecutor is seeking to have Samra bound by a peace bond. The terms being sought are not yet known.

Samra was arrested by RCMP following allegations of threats uttered at Nanaimo City Hall, the special prosecutor said in a statement. Her first appearance had been scheduled for Tuesday in Nanaimo provincial court.

Samra’s lawyer, Robert Mulligan, wanted more time to examine police statements and hold discussions with his client and with the prosecutor, and applied for an adjournment.

The court document outlining the application states that Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay and councillors Sheryl Armstrong and Dianne Brennan, city staffers Sheila Gurrie, Jan Kemp and Donna Stennes, former municipal employees Brad McRae and Kim Fowler, and online journalist Dominic Jones have “reasonable grounds to fear” that Samra will cause personal injury to them, based on a Jan. 31 incident in Nanaimo. It does not describe the incident. Samra has been on leave from the city since that time.

A peace bond is not the same as a charge under Canada’s Criminal Code.

If a judge grants a peace bond, certain conditions are imposed on the defendant. Peace bonds can be in place for up to one year and can be renewed if concerns remain.