Bail decision for accused mail bomber Guido Amsel set for Sept. 9
3 women were targets of attacks allegedly committed by Amsel, in which bombs were sent in the mail
Guido Amsel was in court again for his ongoing bail hearing on Friday, but the judge overseeing the case said a decision won't be made until Sept. 9.
Friday marks the third day of the hearing, which was first held Aug. 27 then again on Wednesday.
"It was a very lengthy bail hearing in front of a seasoned judge, so we're hopeful that the judge will decide in our favour and grant Guido bail. 'Let Guido Go' is the message," his lawyer, Martin Glazer, told reporters outside court after Friday's hearing.
Hearing for Amsel bail decision has been set for next Wed Sept 9 - 1 pm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcmb?src=hash">#cbcmb</a>
—@cbarghoutAmsel smiled and mouthed hello to his family and friends. He appears to have a lot of supporters in court today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcmb?src=hash">#cbcmb</a>
—@cbarghoutThe 49-year-old Amsel is charged with three counts of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault and a number of other weapons and explosives charges after bombs were sent through the mail in Winnipeg in July.
He has been in custody since then, which Glazer said has been difficult for Amsel's current wife and two children.
"His wife is emotional, she's upset. They have two young sons who miss their father very much. He was always a devoted, loving father and good husband, and they're just at their wit's end," Glazer said of his client.
Three women were the targets of the attacks allegedly committed by Amsel, in which bombs were rigged through recording devices and sent through the mail, according to court documents.
Lawyer Maria Mitousis, 38, who at one time represented Amsel's ex-wife in divorce proceedings, lost her right hand and was badly injured when a package mailed to her exploded on July 3. She also suffered injuries to her face, chest and thighs and underwent 12 hours of surgery.
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A package intended for Amsel's ex-wife was detonated by police July 4 at a business on Washington Avenue. No one was injured.
The third bomb was detonated by police near the law office of Orle Bargen and Davidson on Stradbrook Avenue on July 5. The lawyer who represented him in the divorce proceedings used to work there but no longer does.
Glazer said his client intends to fight the allegations.
"It's hard for someone who says they're innocent to sit there. He's never been in jail before, so it's a nightmare for him," Glazer said of Amsel.
"He doesn't want to become another wrongful conviction statistic, such as David Milgaard, Guy Paul Morin, Thomas Sophonow, [James] Driskell, all these cases that keep coming out."
Glazer added that Amsel has the support of many people.
"I've received many, many letters and emails of support and phone calls from members of the public who think he's innocent — people who ... know him, customers, business associates," Glazer said.