Bradley Bennett, accused of indecent act, released until trial
A 26-year-old man charged with committing an indecent act in a public place in Saint John last month has been released into the care of his family under conditions, pending his trial.
Bradley Russell Bennett has been placed on house arrest and ordered to live with his mother, Cathy Kavanaugh, 50, in Richibucto.
He is also expected to continue with psychological treatment in Moncton, which would not have been available to him in jail, said Judge Andrew Palmer.
Bennett requires assistance for his mental health, said Palmer.
Bennett is accused of following a woman home on March 15 and masturbating outside her apartment.
'High in the ick factor'
The judge described the alleged offence as being "high in the ick factor."
Following a 30-day psychiatric assessment at the Restigouche Health Centre in Campbellton, Bennett was deemed fit to stand trial.
A trial has been scheduled for Oct. 13.
Bennett is also charged with violating a 2013 probation order from Manitoba to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.
Not guilty pleas have been entered on all the charges.
Must abide by several conditions
Details of evidence presented during Monday's bail hearing are subject to a publication ban.
But Bennett was ordered to remain in his mother's home at all times. He can only leave to attend or seek employment, for medical, legal or counselling appointments and for two hours a day of fresh air and exercise, the judge said.
If Bennett does leave the house for any of those reasons, he must be accompanied by either his mother, his father, Russell Bennett, or his sister, Amy Bennett.
Otherwise, he must make himself available at all times, either at the door or by phone, to police officers confirming his compliance with the order, Palmer said.
Bennett was also ordered to have no contact with the complainant, to abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
Father, sister detained after confrontation
Bennett left the Saint John Law Courts building escorted by his family members with a jacket over his head.
His father, who approached a CBC News videographer outside the courthouse, was escorted back inside by sheriffs.
Bennett's sister, who also appeared agitated, was also detained.
Bennett's bail hearing began last Tuesday, but after 30 minutes of hearing witness testimony, Judge Marco Cloutier called for a recess.
Cloutier then recused himself from the case, declaring a conflict of interest.
It resumed on Monday with Palmer presiding.
