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White Rock chemical file 'complicated': Crown

Bail hearing delayed for man arrested in connection with a seizure of chemicals in White Rock.
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A White Rock man is facing charges in connection with the seizure last June of 'child-pornography material.'

The bail hearing for a White Rock man arrested last month in connection with a cache of chemicals found in a Prospect Avenue apartment was delayed Thursday at the request of the man's lawyer.

As a result, Hamish Sutherland – who made an in-person appearance at Surrey Provincial Court – will remain in custody until at least Feb. 14.

Citing a letter from Glen Orris, prosecutor Michelle Wray told Judge Donald Gardner that defence counsel is "just waiting for some further particulars from Crown before he can proceed."

Sutherland, 34, was arrested on Jan. 24, after an anonymous tip about chemicals that may pose "a significant risk to public safety" led police to a third-floor apartment in the 15100-block of Prospect Avenue.

The response included officers with the Explosive Disposal and Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Response Unit, the Lower Mainland Integrated Forensic Identification Services and Emergency Response Team, along with White Rock firefighters.

At the time of his arrest, Sutherland was on probation in connection with a 2009 incident in New Westminster, in which he was charged with possession of chemicals for dangerous purposes.

According to court records, in October 2011, he was sentenced to one day in jail and two years probation in connection with a Surrey charge of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Outside court Thursday, Wray told Peace Arch News the White Rock file is "a bit complicated."

The police investigation is ongoing, she added.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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