Suspect accused of attacking man on scooter appears in court

A man who police say was behind a vicious random attack in Saskatoon’s downtown core made his first appearance in court Monday morning.

Justin James Crowe, 25, is facing charges stemming from an attack on 57-year-old Robert Carignan Sunday. Carignan was reportedly out walking his dog when he was hauled off his motorized scooter and repeatedly stomped on.

On Monday, Crowe appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court clad in a white jumpsuit usually issued to people when their clothes are seized as evidence.

He interrupted several times during a short hearing meant to formally present him with his charges.

As Crown prosecutor Dan Dahl read out charges of attempted murder, uttering threats and breaching court conditions not to use alcohol or drugs, Crowe repeatedly demanded to speak.

Judge Marty Irwin warned Crowe to keep quiet as anything he said in open court would be recorded and could be used against him.

However, Crowe insisted he be allowed “to speak for himself,” before claiming he had acted in self-defence.

At another point, Crowe tried to speak directly to Dahl, referring to him as “amigo.” Dahl cut Crowe off and told him to address his comments to the judge.

“And don’t call me ‘amigo,'” Dahl added.

Irwin told Crowe he should get a lawyer, but Crowe said he wanted to represent himself.

From there, Irwin suggested that if Crowe insisted on going ahead, a bail hearing could be scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday afternoon.

Dahl expressed concern that Crowe might not understand what was happening, asking him: “what are you going to do at 2 p.m.?” to which Crowe replied: “Walk home to Winnipeg.”

Crowe’s court matter was held over until Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Previous charges in Winnipeg

A Manitoba court worker confirmed that Crowe has charges outstanding in that province.

Crowe was charged with aggravated assault and possessing a weapon in May 2016.

The Winnipeg Free Press reported that Crowe allegedly used a skateboard to beat a 63-year-old man who asked him to stop smoking inside a bus shelter.

The last record that Manitoba Provincial Court had for Crowe was of a warrant being issued for his arrest after he allegedly skipped a court date in May 2017.