Bathurst man waives bail in connection to 8 arson charges

Perry Kinsman, who is charged in connection to the November 2015 fire which destroyed several downtown Bathurst buildings, waived his right to bail on Friday andwill remain in custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 12.

Judge Ronald Leblancread eight charges of arson to Kinsman, 53, at Bathurst provincial court on Friday morning.

Kinsman is charged in relation to the Nov 27, 2015 fire, which destroyed several buildings near King Street and MainStreet downtown Bathurst.

Martin Siscoe, the accused's lawyer,waived his client's right to bail. Kinsman will remain in custody until his next court appearance Sept 12.

Before Leblanc read the charges to Kinsman, who was handcuffed and dressed in a grey sweatshirt and jeans, a man identified himself as Kinsman's brother and asked to speak.

"No," replied Judge Leblanc

"Do not interrupt. You can speak to your brother's lawyer later."

Kinsman is charged with eight counts of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire to buildings in the downtown core, knowing they were inhabited and occupied.

The properties are listed in the charges

• 212 Main St.(listed in two charges)
• 227 King Ave.
• 207 King Ave.
• 225 King Ave.
• 237 King Ave.
• 200 Main St.
• 216 Main St.

Kinsman will have the chance to decide whether to be tried by a provincial court judge, by a judge without a jury at the Court of Queen's Benchor by a judge and jury at the Court of Queen's Bench.

The fire destroyed several local businesses, including a cafe and wine bar, a pet store,several office spacesand the former Bank of Montreal building, which was built in 1919.

No one was injured in the blaze.

The fire was considered suspicious until Kinsman was charged in August.