Judge reserves decision at bail hearing in Halifax domestic violence case

A provincial court judge has reserved her decision at a bail hearing for a Hammonds Plains man charged with abusing his intimate partner on three occasions.

The 35-year-old accused cannot be named because of a publication ban on any information that could identify the female complainant.

He faces eight charges from an incident in Halifax on Dec. 7, 2025, including sexual assault, forcible confinement and administering a noxious substance — “an unknown pill” — to the woman.

The other allegations from that incident include two counts of uttering threats and single counts of assault, overcoming resistance by choking, and property mischief.

Police allege the man threatened to cause bodily harm to the woman and her unborn child and damaged her cellphone.

He’s charged with 16 offences from events in Halifax between Aug. 21 and Aug. 24 of this year, including one count of sexual assault causing bodily harm and six counts of violence against an intimate partner.

He’s also accused of assault causing bodily harm, assault by choking, assault with a weapon, common assault, forcible confinement, uttering threats, resisting arrest, intimidation, and administering a noxious substance — “an unknown powder ” — to their infant son.

In addition, the man is charged with assaulting the woman in Halifax on May 27 of this year.

The man was originally arrested Aug. 23 and faced five charges from that police call. But further investigation led police to lay more charges Sept. 17 in connection with that incident, as well as the two other sets of charges.

The Crown consented to the accused’s initial release Sept. 2 but prosecutor Emma Woodburn is now arguing that he should remain in custody.

The man’s bail hearing got underway Sept. 24 and 25 and continued Monday in Halifax in front of Judge Pamela Williams.

Defence lawyer Eugene Tan called evidence from a proposed surety and the accused. After hearing submissions, Williams directed everyone to return to court Oct. 29 for her decision.

There’s a publication ban on the evidence and submissions at the bail hearing. The ban will also cover the reasons for the judge’s decision on whether to grant bail.