By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Accused pleads not guilty in connection with detonation of an explosive device

Jul 5, 2018 | 12:01 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A trial date will be set next week for a 32-year-old Lethbridge man who is accused in connection with the detonation of an improvised explosive device in the city last month.

Shaun Hlavach appeared in court via CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre Thursday morning, July 5, with his lawyer entering not guilty pleas on his behalf and stating that the trial should take one day.

Instead of setting the trial date today though, they opted to adjourn the matter to Tuesday, July 10. Hlavach has a bail review hearing scheduled one day earlier in Court of Queen’s Bench, and the Crown said they should know whether he will be in custody before setting a trial date, as it would need to happen sooner if he remains in remand.

Hlavach faces charges of intent to cause an explosion and making or possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose, in connection with an incident in the early morning hours of June 2.

That morning at about 1:12 a.m., members of the Lethbridge Police Service responded to reports of a loud bang in the area of 17 St. and 9 Ave. South.

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After extinguishing a small fire in an alley, police noted a debris field and other evidence at the scene that led them to determine that an improvised explosive device had been detonated there.

An investigation that included a canvass of the neighbourhood then led officers to an address in the 800 block of 16 St. South, where two men were arrested inside the home – one of which was later released without charges.

Police say a search of the residence turned up additional evidence and explosive materials.