OFF THE WIRE
judge has granted bail to an alleged high-ranking member of the Rock Machine during a hearing in which the Crown suggests there is a gang war in Winnipeg.
Jean Paul (J.P.) Beaumont, 38, is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and weapons possession. He was re-arrested for allegedly breaching conditions of previous bail.
On Tuesday, a judge agreed to release Beaumont in advance of his trial. Her reasons cannot be reported because Beaumont's lawyer asked for a publication ban Tuesday and it was granted.
In its argument to keep Beaumont behind bars, the Crown argued that there is a biker war in Winnipeg.
"There's a gang war going on, if I can use that vernacular, between the Rock Machine and the Hells Angels and their associates," said Crown attorney Mike Desautels on Monday.
There have been a string of unsolved shootings recently in Winnipeg between self-identified members of the two groups, Desautels said.
He referenced last week's shooting at the home of the parents of a high-ranking member of the Rock Machine and an incident in which a flare gun was shot into the home of a Redlined Crew member.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/07/05/crown-attorney-warns-of-gang-war-but-biker-granted-bail
