moved for leave to introduce Bill C-450, an act to amend the Criminal Code (bail in cases of assault with weapon or criminal harassment).
Mr. Speaker, I am sure you are well aware that a number of individuals who have been arrested for serious violent crimes have been released on bail and have recommitted their crimes.
I am pleased to introduce this private member's bill which would prevent a person accused of sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault or criminal harassment who has been identified by the victim or by a witness to the offence, from being released on bail.
The result would be that the accused would not be released until the charge was withdrawn or the accused had been acquitted at a trial.
Subsection 515.(2) which presently allows a judge of a court of superior criminal jurisdiction the discretion to allow bail for these very serious offences would be repealed.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)