Times-Chronicle Staff
An Oliver man facing charges of break-and-enter and arson has been granted bail.
Steven Gallagher, 29, was released from custody after a bail hearing on Wednesday. He is charged with breaking into Remedy’sRX pharmacy in Oliver and starting a fire on May 15. On the same day, someone fired shots at a police vehicle while it was parked at the RCMP detachment. A truck was also set on fire next to the Subway eatery in downtown Oliver.
A few days later police conducted a search of a residence on Sandpoint Drive.
The RCMP then asked the public for help in locating Gallagher, who subsequently turned himself in.
Oliver detachment commander Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said it was disappointing that Gallagher was granted bail, noting the hearing was not dealt with by a local Crown prosecutor, but one from out of town. The commander noted that no curfew was set for Gallagher.
Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel for the BC Prosecution Service, confirmed that the Crown consented to the release of Gallagher with no financial obligation. He noted the accused has been ordered to abide by release conditions that are designed to ensure public safety.
“You should be aware that the accused is before the court only on the charges related to the break-in and fire at the pharmacy. The other offences referred to in your story are not before the court and accordingly were not factors for consideration on release.”
Under his release conditions, Gallagher must keep the peace and show good behaviour. He must report to a court official on a regular basis and not possess alcohol except in his residence. He must stay away from 291 Fairview Road (Remedy’sRX pharmacy) and must not possess explosives or incendiary devices.
McLaughlin said their release policy acknowledges that every person charged with an offence has the fundamental right to bail on reasonable terms. He added that Crown counsel are directed by the provisions of this policy to exercise “principled restraint” in all bail matters.
“The principle of restraint requires a judge to give primary consideration to the release of the accused at the earliest reasonable opportunity, on the least onerous conditions that are appropriate in the circumstances and are reasonably practicable for the accused to comply with.”
McLaughlin reminds everyone that accused persons, even those facing serious charges, have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that bail cannot be denied without just cause.
Gallagher’s next court appearance is June 9.
