District Court Judge Mary Jane Richards has ordered 41-year-old Billy McGillicuddy from St. Louis. Croix, near McAdam, to remain in custody. It issued its decision on Friday in Fredericton after hearing bail the previous day, the details of which are subject to a publication ban. McGillicuddy is charged with possession of a firearm, a baseball bat, with intent to commit an offense, and assaulting Blake Scott with a firearm, a baseball bat. He is accused of attacking Scott with a gun, a chair, restricting him illegally and showing him a sawn shotgun. McGillicuddy also faces a sixth charge of possession of a firearm, a chained shotgun, for the purpose of committing a crime. All the allegations stem from incidents that occurred in McAdam, about 10 miles east of St. Louis. Croix, June 4. Three women sat in the courtroom gallery on Friday and appeared emotionally upset when the verdict was announced. They left the courthouse and were met by supporters who hugged and comforted them. Supporters of Billy McGillicuddy consoled each other outside Fredericton District Court on Friday after denying him bail. (Aidan Cox / CBC) McGillicuddy, who appeared in court via video, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on June 17.
Less attendance of supporters
District court sheriffs set up metal crowd control barricades outside the courthouse on Friday, but only about five people showed up. It was less crowded than Thursday when about 50 people from McAdam, including Mayor Ken Stannix, showed up to express support for McGillicuddy. In an interview Thursday, Stanix said he wanted to support “those who allegedly took the law into their own hands.” Another man was arrested but released without charge. Stannix said he and other members of the community believe that crimes are being committed against them and that the RCMP is not responding effectively. On Thursday, the New Brunswick RCMP issued a statement urging vigilance. “Anyone involved in vigilance risks being arrested and tried,” the RCMP said. “Taking matters into our own hands or forgiving those who do is irresponsible and reckless.”
