ESTEVAN — A man who is facing numerous charges in connection with an incident in Estevan in November 2023 was back in Estevan Provincial Court on Sept. 29.
Billie Bertram had an in-person appearance and was remanded into custody. He’ll be back in court Oct. 6. He has been facing charges of forcible confinement, aggravated assault and uttering threats against two people, along with a charge of possession of property obtained by crime, stemming from the 2023 incident.
He is also now facing a charge of failing to appear in court.
His most recent Estevan court appearances had been by video from Alberta, as he is facing charges on an unrelated matter in that province. He had been at large until he was recently apprehended.
Crown prosecutor Travis Avery said the Crown was opposed to Bertram’s release and was planning to revoke previous release orders. A show-cause hearing would be needed for Bertram to receive bail.
When asked by Judge Mitch Miller what he wanted to do with the charges, Bertram said he was hoping to set his matters to trial. Miller replied these are serious matters and that Bertram needs a lawyer. The accused asked for Legal Aid representation.
One of the co-accused in the 2023 incident, Nathan Charles Mangaard, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison earlier this year. Another co-accused, Bradley Williams, also pleaded guilty and has a sentencing decision slated for Nov. 3.
Charges against a fourth person were stayed after he died in January 2024.
Background: According to a Nov. 7, 2023, press release from the Estevan Police Service, members were dispatched to a residence in response to an assault in which two victims sustained significant injuries that required medical attention. During the investigation, four suspects were identified and subsequently arrested without incident.
Following the arrests, investigators obtained search warrants for several residences in Estevan to locate offence-related property.
SaskToday will continue to follow this story.
