Colleen Tanya Badger has been charged in relation to a fire that destroyed several trailers and one mobile home in Kehewin.
On Tuesday, June 19, she was denied release from custody during her court appearance in Bonnyville.
Badger is facing arson reckless to property, arson destroying the property of others, four counts of arson to personal property, and breaching her conditions charges in relation to the May 14 fire. She has also been charged with other offences not relating to this incident, including failing to appear in court, driving a motor vehicle without insurance, possession of stolen property, possession of an illegal substance, and breaching conditions.
Bonnyville RCMP were called to a fire in Kehewin on May 14, where two holiday trailers and a mobile home had burnt to the ground.
A family had been inside of the mobile home at the time of the fire, but had escaped the residence.
According to the family’s statement, Badger and Bob Lee White had started a small fire before Badger poured gasoline onto it. White fled the scene when the fire department was called, while Badger remained inside of their home, asleep.
When police arrived, they found Badger and she was arrested. During her statement, she told police she had started a small fire, but went inside to take a nap.
When she woke up, she found White standing next to a burning trailer before he fled.
Crown prosecutor Terry Mazerolle was concerned that if Badger was released, she wouldn’t attend court and is likely to reoffend.
Badger, 37, told Honourable Judge Lawrence Nemirsky she is unlikely to reoffend because she suffers from kidney cancer.
According to the accused, she has already had one kidney removed as a result, and is suffering from serious health issues.
Nemirsky told Badger the incident happened only weeks before her court appearance, and she had managed to commit an offence then.
When asked, Badger’s lawyer admitted bail shouldn’t be granted.
Bail was denied, and Badger will remain in custody until she speaks to her charges. Her next court appearance is July 3 for the charges relating to arson and July 17 for any federal charges. Badger pled not guilty to possession of stolen property, failing to appear in court, and driving a motor vehicle without insurance. A trial date was set for Jan. 28, 2019.
Badger’s co-accused White adjourned his matters. His next court appearance is July 17.
