The Chief of Cobourg Police has come out and condemned the local courts after a person was charged with robbery with violence, uttering threats to cause death and assault police on Thursday, September 28, 2023, then was released hours later after a bail hearing.
Daniel Tyler Foden (age 35) was charged after a incident in the parking lot of Trinity United Church where a father was dropping his daughter off for choir practice.
The father was robbed with violence, death threats were uttered and a police officer was assaulted.
Foden was held for a bail but released with conditions including but not limited to not be in the Town of Cobourg and to obey a curfew each night from 9:00 pm until 6:00 pm.
Later that same date, September 29th, 2023, the Foden was arrested after damaging property at a construction site in the north end of Cobourg.
Foden was charged with mischief, two counts of failing to comply with a court order and held for another bail hearing.
“This is totally unacceptable at so many levels,” stated Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf.
“This individual was arrested for violent offences committed in a specific neighbourhood in our community that is currently experiencing increased crime and victimization. This individual assaulted and robbed a member of our community and then the police officer investigating that matter.”
VandeGraaf stated bluntly, “the decision of this court failed to support our community by allowing this person back into the community with no regard for the impact on the community, the victims, or the police.”
As the release came out on the weekend, it’s unknown if the Crown Attorney had asked for the accused to be granted or denied bail, or if the Justice of the Peace was the allowed the bail.
Not one day passed before this person re-offended in our community. This is aggravating the level of frustration in our community with a system that does not meet our collective expectations.”
Speaking with Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland later in the day, he stands firmly beside VandeGraaf in his words.
“What we’re looking at is a failure of our justice system.” said Cleveland.
“When we see violent offenders arrested. When we see the incredible work of our Cobourg Police Services, to put individuals in front of our justice system with the appropriate evidence required and then they are released within 12 to 24-hours only to re-commit crimes – I can understand the frustration of the Chief and I can understand the frustration of the community because I share it.”
Cleveland stated, “something has to change.”
“We cannot keep allowing violent offenders, who are known to police, who have criminal records, back out into our communities, only to repeat the cycle.”
“I stand with the Chief of Police in his statements and this Council has always stood by our police services.”
“This isn’t acceptable and we need to see changes from levels of government that actually address this.”
With offenders getting out and recommitting crimes, Cleveland said, “at what point are we, as a community going to stand-up and say, “enough is enough.”
“We as a community expect when someone is a danger to this community, that our systems will protect the community. And I’m not seeing that right now.”
Northumberland – Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence also said he stands behind VandeGraaf.
“Conservatives have been consistent in believing that the rule of law has to be followed.”
“We have been consistent in our position that for violent offenders they deserve jail, not bail.”
“Of course we believe all Canadians deserve a second chance, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of the community.”
Lawrence stated the government needs significant bail reform adding the Conservatives, “were happy the Liberals took a small step in fixing the damage they’ve already done. Fixing the damage they’ve created through bail initiatives that allow violent offenders to be on our streets.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
