Accused in Locke Street vandalism spree denied bail

Man charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence in relation to rampage

Supporters of a Hamilton activist accused of playing a role in organizing a vandalism spree on Locke Street last month filed out of a courtroom crestfallen after a justice of the peace ruled against bail Tuesday afternoon.

Justice of the peace Barbara Waugh rejected arguments made by Cedar Hopperton’s lawyer for her client’s release from Barton Street jail on Tuesday.

Hopperton, whose legal first name is Peter, waved and smiled at the packed seventh-floor courtroom upon being, led away in handcuffs.

The 31-year-old Hamilton resident is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence in relation to the March 3 rampage on Locke Street South.

A band of masked protesters — dressed in black and carrying a banner with “We are the ungovernable” on it — tossed rocks and eggs at cars and broke storefront windows during the Saturday evening spree.

Police have alleged the antigentrification vandalism was connected to an Anarchist Book Fair that was held at Westdale high school that weekend, as well as The Tower, a space where anarchists meet on Cannon Street East.

The hearing was covered by a standard 517 publication ban, which bars the reporting on certain details such as evidence.

Hopperton’s family and friends declined to comment on the outcome, as some wept and embraced outside the courtroom.

His lawyer, Angela Ruffo, also declined to speak to The Spectator afterward.

The hearing got underway just before 11 a.m. after a delay in transporting Hopperton to the Main Street East courthouse from the Barton Street jail, where he has been since Friday.

Police arrested Hopperton at a residence at Cannon and Hess streets Friday morning.

The bail hearing had already been delayed by one day due to a lack of courtroom space and time Monday.

In 2011, Hopperton pleaded guilty to counselling mischief in connection with the 2010 G20 protests in Toronto.

The case is scheduled to resume April 24 at 9 a.m. in courtroom 204.