Kevin J. Johnston denied bail by Calgary judge, deemed too high risk to reoffend

Controversial Calgary mayoral candidate Kevin J. Johnston, who now faces criminal charges in three provinces, has been denied bail after his arrest earlier this week.

On Friday afternoon, a Calgary judge ruled Johnston is too high a risk to reoffend and orderedhe be held in custody pending trial.

Johnston's case will be back in court Monday.

Toronto defence lawyer Ian McCuaig says that while his client is polarizing, he believes Johnston should have been released.

"We havesomebody who's racked up a few charges as Mr. Johnston has it would be fair to say, 'OK, Ican see there is a risk of him generating more offences,'" saidMcCuaig.

"But does that further offending endanger the public or the administration of justice?"

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On Wednesday, Johnston was arrested andcharged with causing a disturbance at a shop in the Core mall, leaving employees fearing for their safety.

Johnston allegedly went into stores in the downtown mall without wearing a mask. Whenasked to put one on, police saidhe became verbally abusive to employees.

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This is the second time Johnston hasbeen arrested in recent weeks.

For months, Johnston has been in Calgary organizing and promoting anti-lockdown rallies.

Earlier this month, he was charged with civil contempt for promoting and participating inan illegal public gathering. A contempt hearing will take place June 16.

Johnston faces criminal charges of assault and hate crimes in British Columbiaand Ontario.

For weeks, Johnston, who has a history of racist and aggressive behaviour, has been threatening Alberta Health Services employees who he blames for enforcing COVID restrictions.

Johnston has said several times on videos posted to social media that he is prepared to arm himself and go to the homes of health officials to arrest those who have taken enforcement actions.

He is currentlybound by a restraining order sought by Alberta Health Services, banning him from obstructing or interfering withAHS employees.

There was concern over the fact that as a mayoral candidate,Johnston could receive voters lists with names and addresses of all eligible voters in Calgary.

The controversy resulted in the city deciding not to share the lists with any candidates.