Brandon Phillips allowed contact with mother; bail hearing set

Accused murdererBrandon Phillips, who was arrested in October for a robbery and killing at a St. John's hotel,will go before a judge next month for a two-day bail hearing.

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Phillips, 27, is alleged to have robbed the bar at Captain's Quarters Hotel on King's Bridge Road before shooting Larry Wellman as he tried to intervene.

Wellman, 63, died en route to hospital after being shot whileintervening an armed robbery.

In Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Wednesday, the bail hearing was slated for Dec.9 and Dec. 10.

His defence lawyers, Mark Gruchy and Jeff Brace, have indicated during past court appearances that their client is considered a good candidate for bail.

As well, a no contact order between Phillips and his mother Deborah Phillips has been lifted.

Phillips is facing charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, assault with a weapon andhaving his face concealed.