Inmate who escaped Shediac, N.B., prison facing new charges

An inmate who escaped a jail in Shediac, N.B., was back in court on Tuesday.

The man who escaped from a Shediac, N.B., correctional facility in February is now facing more charges, including obstructing a police officer.

Todd John Lewis made an appearance at Moncton Provincial Court Tuesday morning from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre to enter pleas on numerous charges.

Lewis jumped the fence and escaped from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre on Feb. 12 just before 5:30 p.m.

The New Brunswick RCMP issued an emergency alert, but ended it after 24 hours.

Lewis was captured in Moncton on March 23 and the next day appeared in Moncton provincial court to face charges of escaping lawful custody and breaching probation.

Lewis appeared via video from prison and Judge Claude Haché asked him why he had not made an application for legal aid yet.

“I’ve got no papers to fill out,” replied Lewis.

Haché then read the new charges which included a failure to make a court appearance on Feb. 27.

He was on the loose at that time.

The 35-year-old was also charged with willfully obstructing an RCMP constable while in the execution of his duty on March 23, the day he was caught and arrested by police.

“These are new charges that are added to the already existing ones before the court,” said Haché.

Haché then asked Lewis what he wanted to do about the charges given the fact he hasn’t yet made an application for legal aid.

“Plead guilty to them, I guess,” said Lewis.

Lewis then repeated himself, saying he would plead guilty.

“Without the assistance of a lawyer? asked Haché.

Lewis answered yes.

Lewis was already facing charges for allegedly having a restricted weapon, despite being prohibited from possessing firearms for life.

Lewis was charged on Jan. 21 with nine offences, including possessing a restricted firearm, carrying a restricted weapon in a careless manner, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Court documents allege Lewis had a loaded Tokarev TT-33, a Soviet-era semi-automatic pistol used during the Second World War, in his possession in Moncton on Jan. 20.

Lewis is also charged with possessing a weapon — a knife — for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and violating a probation order.

Haché strongly encouraged Lewis to make an application to legal aid before he makes any decisions on his outstanding charges.

“They are numerous,” said Haché. “It would certainly be in his best interests to seek counsel.”

The matter was adjourned until April 14.

Haché said Lewis would make an in-person hearing at the Moncton Law Courts that day so he could meet with duty counsel and make an application for legal aid.

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