Brothers charged in cross-burning get bail

An interracial couple feels victimized all over again because the two brothersaccused of burning a cross in the pair's yard have been granted bail.

Nathan Neil Rehberg, 20, and Justin Chad Rehberg, 19, were ordered Tuesday to stay with their grandparents, who live a short drive away from the couple in rural Nova Scotia.

"I'm in shock right now," Michelle Lyon told reporters outside Windsor provincial court. "It's like our violation wasn't taken into account. It's a pure slap in the face."

Lyon, partner Shayne Howe and their children discoveredatwo-metre-high cross with a hanging noose in front of their home in Poplar Grove early on Feb. 21.They also heard someone yell racial slurs.

The brothers, who aredistantly related toLyon, are charged with public incitement of hatred, mischief, uttering threats and criminal harassment.

Under the terms of their bail, they mustlive with their grandparents on Old Brooklyn Road, obey a 9 p.m. curfew, avoid drugs and alcohol, and stay away from Lyon, Howe and their children.

Lyon said her family is terrified. She and Howe planon sleeping in shifts.

Howe, the only black man in Poplar Grove, said he expected the two men accused of terrorizing his family wouldbe kept in custody.

"That's not justice," he told reporters.

Marianne and Darrell Boutilier, who live about a 10-minute drive from Howe and his family, said they're confident their grandsons will abide by the bail conditions.

Crown attorney Bill Ferguson wouldn't speak with reporters outside court.

Thetwo brothers are scheduled to return to court on March 9.