Having been in custody since just before Christmas on charges of robbing a St. John's bank with a baseball bat, 26-year-old Clarence Cantwell was released on bail Friday.
Cantwell is facing charges of robbery, having his face masked while committing an offence and possessing a weapon dangerous to the public.
Provincial court Judge Lois Skanes released Cantwell after a bail hearing on a $1,500 surety, but reminded him of the serious nature of the charges against him, which she said could land him a lengthy jail term if he is eventually convicted.
Skanes ordered Cantwell, who does not have a criminal record, to live with relatives at a St. John's address, abide by a curfew, stay away from alcohol and illegal drugs, and check in weekly with the RNC, among other directions. He must also stay away from the Scotiabank branch at 350 Torbay Rd.
He will make his next appearance in court May 29.
Cantwell had allegedly taken a truck from a local dealership out for a test drive the morning of Dec. 18 and used it as the getaway vehicle in an armed robbery. He is accused of entering the Scotiabank in Torbay Road Plaza around 11:30 a.m., brandishing a baseball bat and demanding cash before escaping.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary arrested Cantwell without incident in the Military Road area about an hour later. The truck was found in a different location.
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