A man who held a knife to a Burnaby flagger’s throat last month has pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and been released pending his sentencing.
Surrey resident Derrick Whitebear, 42, was charged May 5 for an incident near Olive Avenue and Central Boulevard in Burnaby’s Metrotown area May 4, according to a police news release at the time.
He pleaded guilty at a hearing in B.C. provincial court in Vancouver Wednesday.
“I’m also sorry for the incident,” he said after entering his plea.
On May 4, Whitebear was seen at a construction site “yelling incoherently and waving a knife around,” according to alleged facts outlined by Crown prosecutor Michael Fox.
“He then approached the complainant and held the knife to the complainant’s throat from behind,” Fox said.
When the flagger turned to face him, however, Whitebear withdrew the knife and walked away, Fox said.
Vancouver police arrested Whitebear about two hours later with a “hunting-style knife” near Hastings and Main streets in Vancouver, according to police.
Whitebear has since spent a month in jail and sobered up, according to Fox.
Because he has secured a place in a recovery facility, Whitebear’s defence lawyer requested he be released on bail until his sentencing, and Fox said the Crown consented to that plan.
Whitebear has a number of previous convictions for assault on his record and was on probation at the time of the knife incident.
“Normally that’s a significant concern to the court,” B.C. provincial court Judge Nicholas Preovolos said before granting Whitebear’s bail. “However, I note that Mr. Whitebear has accepted responsibility for his offence. He’s been in custody for a month and is seeking treatment for an underlying substance abuse problem.”
Until his sentencing, Whitebear must live at the recovery centre, complete programs as directed and report to a bail supervisor.
He is banned from possessing knives or other weapons, consuming alcohol and drugs, contacting his victim or going any place where he might be.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 24 to fixed a date.