Judge denies Yarmouth County man release from custody in shooting case

A 32-year-old Yarmouth County man, facing a charge of attempted murder and other firearms offences, has been denied release from custody.

Nicholas Ashton Mullen, of Pembroke, Yarmouth County, was arrested and taken into custody following a reported shooting around 1 a.m. on Saturday in Pembroke.

His first provincial court appearance was Monday in Yarmouth.

At the conclusion of the Monday bail hearing – while stressing the charges before the court are only allegations — Judge James Burrill ruled that Mullen must remain in custody while these charges are before the court and denied him bail.

The Crown was opposed to Mullen’s release.

There is a standard and mandatory ban on the publication of evidence that was presented to the court during the hearing. This is to ensure a person’s right to a fair trial.

Mullen was represented by Legal Aid Attorney Murray Judge for the hearing, but indicated to the court his intention is to retain a lawyer in private practice. His next court appearance is today.

Mullen has been charged with attempted murder with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.

The RCMP responded to a 911 call of a reported shooting on Nov. 4. According to a media release issued on the weekend, upon arrival a 38-year-old man was found outside the residence, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was transported to the Yarmouth Regional hospital, and was later transported by EHS Lifeflight to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax with life-threatening injuries. His condition was said Monday to still be critical.