A homeless man charged with attempted murder after a stabbing in a controversial Sarnia encampment is facing new charges.
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Richard Hales, 33, of no fixed address, also was charged with breaching probation after Stewart James was stabbed in the neck in Rainbow Park on May 6 about 6:30 p.m., police and court records said.
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James is expected to recover, police have said.
When he returned to court Tuesday, Hales learned he also was charged with uttering threats and aggravated assault in connection with the May 6 incident. He was held pending another appearance Friday.
He’s been banned from contacting James – who knew the attacker, police said – and two other people while the case is before the courts.
A Lambton County official has estimated there are 30 to 40 people living in Rainbow Park, near Christina and Talfourd streets, many with mental health and drug dependency issues. The stabbing came hours before Sarnia council hit break on removing the encampment amid legal and human rights concerns.
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Homeless camps have become a major issue across Ontario, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has said, noting Lambton County council voted recently to ask Queen’s Park to take the lead.
A nearby neighbor, who has visited the encampment and spoken to people there, expressed concern about drug paraphernalia and hidden weapons there. A Sarnia police spokesperson said the Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) will be frequently seen in the park.
This is the third attempted charge Sarnia police have laid this year – a teen is murder accused of a shooting and a 20-year-old alleged to have stabbed someone – along with one count of first-degree murder.
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