BarrieToday has learned that a 20-year-old man arrested Friday night and charged with two counts of sexual assault following attacks in Barrie’s east end has been released from custody.
The suspect, whose name has not been released by police, is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 4.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday that the suspect appeared before a justice of the peace on Saturday and was released.
“He appeared in what is referred to as WASH (Weekend and Stat Holiday) Court, which is done by video,” Leon said. “A justice of the peace presides and determined that he could be released on conditions with a returnable court date of early February.”
Leon said Barrie police cannot discuss any bail-related issues and the name of the suspect is being withheld at this time.
BarrieToday was told earlier on Saturday that a bail hearing was expected on Monday.
The man has been charged in connection to a pair of incidents. Police say the first occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the north end of Cheltenham Road, while the second happened around 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7 off Dunsmore Lane. Both victims were female and both assaults happened on pathways.
