02/08/2013

Patrick Brazeau is to be put on a leave of absence from the Senate until the assault and sexual assault charges against him have been resolved.

Brazeau was charged Friday morning following his arrest the previous morning in Gatineau, Que., across the river from Ottawa.

He was kicked out of the Conservative caucus shortly after the arrest. He will now sit as an Independent.

Brazeau, who appeared in court wearing a dark grey coat, did not have his lawyer present for his first appearance at about 9:15 a.m. ET. The senator told the court he hadn't been able to reach his counsel, and his case was suspended briefly.

When he appeared again shortly before 10 a.m., he was released on $1,000 bail until his next court appearance on March 22.

His release carries additional conditions:

  • He cannot carry a firearm.
  • He cannot communicate with or be within 150 metres of the complainant.
  • He cannot change his address.

There is a publication ban on the complainant's name.