Hants County brothers Nathan Rehberg, 20, and Justin Rehberg, 19, were released from custody Tuesday, March 2 after a bail hearing in Windsor Provincial Court. Paternal grandmother Marianne Boutilier and her husband Darrell posted the bail amount of $5,000.
Nathan Rehberg broke down minutes into the hearing, crying and wiping his eyes with a tissue throughout the proceedings.
The Rehberg men will appear in court for a plea hearing Tuesday, March 9. They have been charged with criminal harassment and incitement to hatred after a cross was burned at the home of Michelle Lyon and Shayne Howe Feb. 20.
The pair were released on conditions that include abstaining from alcohol and non-prescription drugs. They must have no contact with Lyon, Howe or their children; stay 500 metres away from the Howe home and not enter the property of Avon View High School. They must also abide by a curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Justin Rehberg, who is a student at Avon View, will continue studies through correspondence. They will remain at the Boutilier home in Three Mile Plains.
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The grandparents say they will enforce the conditions laid out by the court. “There’ll be no drinking, no doping,” said Darrell Boutilier.
“They have agreed to go by our rules. I know they will listen to us,” said Marianne Boutilier.
Crown Prosecutor, Bill Ferguson opposed the release saying it was not in the best interests of society and there were some concerns for the safety of the accused.
Judge Alan Tufts made his ruling saying there was no legitimate reason to continue to hold the pair. “The Charter of Rights provides that any person charged with an offence cannot be refused bail without just cause and whether or not they should be detained for their own protection is not grounds to refuse bail.”
Shayne Howe fled the courtroom as soon as the decision was reached. “I’m angry, I’m frustrated that we have to watch for the safety of our children while they go free.
"They can go back and enjoy themselves while we live in fear" - Shayne Howe
“This is not proper, this is worse than worst. They care more about them than they do our family. This is not justice. This isn’t even a slap on the hand. They can go back home and enjoy themselves while we live in fear.”
The couple said they are not sure what they will tell their children about the hearing. “We haven’t figured that out yet.”
Lyon said the hearing set a poor example. “That hurt. This shows those kids out there that they can be racist and get away with it. It sets a bad example to the community.”
A large group of young adults were waiting outside the court for the two men to be released. One in tears said she was the fiancé of Shane Rehberg but did not want to comment.
Nicole Hunter who organized last week’s Walk of Love said she was disappointed by the lack of support shown that day for Lyon and Howe. “Where is our community today?”
