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Alleged bank robber out on bail

Published on October 10th, 2009
Published on November 3rd, 2009
Tessa Holloway

Albert Gunville, accused in the Shellbrook bank robbery last week, is back on the streets.

Topics :
Shellbrook bank , Scotiabank , Shellbrook , Maidstone , North Battleford

Courts -

Albert Gunville, accused in the Shellbrook bank robbery last week, is back on the streets.

The 41-year-old was granted bail on Friday morning by Judge Stephen Carter, who ruled that Gunville was not a significant threat to reoffend and was expected to attend court when required.

He was released on a $500 recognizance with numerous conditions pending his next court date, scheduled for Oct. 28.

Crown prosecutor John Syrnick was opposed to Gunville's release based on secondary grounds, meaning they felt Gunville might be a risk to reoffend.

Carter, however, was unconvinced.

"That, in my view, is not sufficient grounds to hold him," said Carter.

Among his conditions, Gunville is banned from consuming alcohol or drugs or going to bars, has to abide by a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m., must take personal counselling and psychiatric treatment and have no contact with Waylon Absolum Custer, his co-accused in the crime.

"If you even smell like you've had a single sip of wine or alcohol, you will be back behind that glass wall," Carter told Gunville as he read out the conditions.

Gunville is also banned from attending the Scotiabank in Shellbrook.

Gunville, who sported a shaved head and goatee, waved to his girlfriend, brother and other family members in the courtroom gallery when he was led into the prisoner's box, joking and smiling with them in silence.

He leaned over to the gap in the glass to listen as Judge Carter read the decision.

The robbery took place on Oct. 1 at the Scotiabank in Shellbrook. Police were called to the scene just before noon, where they were told two men had walked into the bank, one wielding a machete, and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Gunville and Custer were arrested at about 8 p.m. on Highway 16 near Maidstone after North Battleford police spotted a black truck driving erratically, and saw that it matched the description for the robbery in Shellbrook.

No plea has been entered in the case as of yet.

Custer remains in custody. A bail hearing is scheduled for Oct 15.

tholloway@paherald.sk.ca

Comments

  • Username
    anonymous
    - November 20th, 2009 at 13:32:34

    quit using alcohol as an excuse for what this person has done. IT IS NOT A LEGITIMATE EXCUSE. There aren't any excuses for terrorizing the people who work in this bank. How would you feel if one of your family was robbed at knife point or gunpoint. would you excuse them because they were under the influence. I THINK NOT. If this man is such a wonderful person he would not be setting such an example for his children.

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  • Username
    Joe
    - November 20th, 2009 at 11:15:45

    Good luck with everything Albert, hope it all works out ok

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  • Username
    cecil
    - November 20th, 2009 at 10:38:15

    I find it disturbing that people are trying to say this person isn't capable of doing something he's already done, obviously.character witnesses shouldn't have any bearing on this matter.that's like saying the family dog would never harm the children as you wipe up what's left of your freshly mauled kid. sound graphic?you bet ,but call a spade a spade for christs sake. furthermore you must be feeling pretty good if your healthy enough to go on a big drunk and run out of a bank never mind escape the cops. I work everyday and i couldn't physicaly do that. maybe workers comp and the judge should be adding comp fraud onto that sentence as well. and also to the judge i find it sickening that you feel that bail for, not only this man, but for this crime is worth about the same as a couple of seat belt tickets. not the type of person i want tax money supporting.

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  • Username
    anonymous
    - November 20th, 2009 at 10:13:09

    Sorry H.L.G. I got your initials mixed up.

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  • Username
    H.L.G.
    - November 20th, 2009 at 09:13:32

    Greetings, Anonymous from Alberta. Point taken, everyone has a right to their own opinion and I am sure there are many others who would agree with you. However, you don't know the accused (I am certain) therefore you are unable to make an empathetic comment. Sounds to me like you, your family or friends nor anyone close with you has ever had an addiction. You are indeed one of the lucky ones. sarcasm . My guess, is that there has been someone in your lfetime with an addiction which has led them to do or make horrible decisions maybe even so horrible even you can't forgive. You are right, It wouldn't feel well at even the thought of any of my family members held by knife point and or gunpoint and in the robbery neither took place. Anonymous from Alberta, put down that bag of bricks you carry..... take care and be good to yourself and others. BTW - his children love him dearly.

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  • Username
    Maureen
    - November 20th, 2009 at 03:57:56

    Thank you HLG Gunville for your comments and to Terry from AB, how do you know that Albert will not meet his conditions???? And to anonymous from alberta, I AM related to Albert and I do know him unlike you and just b/c you are related to gunvilles does not mean you KNOW Albert and have no right to judge other people that you don't even know. You are however entitled to your opinion but why judge someone you don't even know!! You do need to read up on alcoholism which is a sickness, it is an addiction and I myself did have a problem with alcohol when I was younger but have not drank for many years and I know firsthand that people are not in their right mind when they drink, I was a totally different person and did things that I NEVER would have done when I was sober. Sure I never robbed a bank but I did do some very stupid things myself which I did forgive myself. Albert knows what he did was wrong and is willing to prepare himself for any jail time that he is given but he CAN'T UNDO WHAT HE HAS DONE. If he could undo what he has done, he would, NOBODY is perfect and if this was your son, uncle, relative whatever, you would not think the way you are right now. Albert is NOT a bad person, he just made the wrong choice and is in NO WAY any harm to society!!!! He would NEVER hurt anyone intentionally!! And by the way, how do you even know that it was him that was carrying the machette???? If you don't know the facts then you shouldn't be saying anything. Thank you and have a great day :)

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  • Username
    H.L.G.
    - November 20th, 2009 at 02:43:21

    I have known Albert and his family for more than half of my life. He is no bank robber! He would never hurt anyone. I agree he is being accused of a terrible crime and if he is guilty he did this under the influence of alcohol. Eveyone who knows Albert, and many do in the community, would willingly stand up in court as a character reference in his defence. This man devotes his life to caring for people at the end of their lives and he is good at it. How many of you making these comments can actually say you have a compassionate profession. Keep tuned to the trial and you will learn the facts vs. making unsubstantiated comments. I ask everyone that knows Albert pray for him and his children and wishes him well in getting his life back on track. He is a good man despite how the media is portraying him. Yes, the justice system fails at times, I would say this is definately NOT one of those times. In saying this, I also feel for the staff and witnesses of the crime and hope they and their families receive the debriefing they will no doubt need.

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  • Username
    Alicia
    - November 20th, 2009 at 00:57:11

    I am sick of the way Albert is being portrayed. He is not a shaved head machete man, he is a man who has had a stroke of bad luck, on workers comp for breaking his legs and ribs, left by his girlfriend, and bald due to hair loss. He is a man who has a job in the community where he helps people, and is good at it. He may have made a stupid decision in doing this robbery , but he is in no way a mad raving lunatic. And why would a mad who can not physically run, choose to rob a bank in a normal state of mind. Give this man a break, if you knew him you would.

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  • Username
    E.L.K
    - November 19th, 2009 at 23:32:22

    I am truely sorry for the ladies that work at the Shellbrook Scotia Bank. First of all I am sorry that they have to deal with dreams and nightmares that they have had to deal with when they go to sleep at night. I am sorry for the fact that after returning to work, these ladies have to deal with the next person that walks into that bank could be another bad person making a bad decision. I am sorry that the Judge in this case let that man walk virtually free.
    For this next part I will not apologize. I read these posts sent by other readers, some expresssing frustration and anger and others expressing a defence for these people and their characters. I read he is not a bad person and that he is a good man who made a bad decision. So I ask the question Who is a bad man, and what makes them bad? Is it his actions that make him a bad man? I would say yes. A person that is a good man would not go into a bank and rob it. Whether Mr. Gunville was carrying a machette or not isnt the point. Whether he has or had a good job isnt the point. Whether he had or didnt have intentions to hurt these people isnt the point. Whether he has a good family and nice kids isnt the point. He could have been a pastor or youth leader, and that isnt the point. The fact of the matter is, if he went into that bank and demanded money that wasnt his. That makes him a bad man. We can go back over the course of our history and say Hitler wasnt a bad man. He had a good job, made life good for lots of people. Provided jobs and he was probably a good father. Did he just make a bad decision? Now some people might find this example slightly extreme. Should we not judge him either? We absolutely need to judge these people and their actions. We wouldnt have any right to judge Mr. Gunville and Mr. Custer if they had just been out having a good time, but they chose to violate the laws of society. They chose to violate the ladies that work in that bank. They chose to go into that bank and demand money that wasnt theirs. They chose to drive drunk. They chose to go out drinking.
    As for H.L.Gs post on 11/10/2009, He did rob a bank. He did hurt people. Physically, no. But we all know that physical wounds can heal and the emotional wounds can linger on for years. If this was your wife, daughter, sister, mother, or friend, and she had a machette shoved in her face and threatened in a matter like that, and you had to deal with the emotional fear and anger and frustration, I ask you sir, would you consider that man a good person...who made a bad choice.

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  • Username
    anonymous
    - November 19th, 2009 at 19:45:03

    Mr. Gunville is a very fortunate man to have such caring people who care about him and his family. I hope that he realizes just how lucky he is. Maybe by the grace of God he will find the help that he needs and learn from his mistake. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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  • Username
    HLG
    - November 19th, 2009 at 16:27:28

    Hello again Gerrie, look like you haven't had the opportunity to research addictions. Before you make any further comments, let me suggest you do just that. You are right in some respects, people have to make choices everyday. It is so easy for us as citizens to make judgements about others, this we are all guilty of. Gerrie, go and enjoy your Thanksgiving Day and have a peaceful one. Take care and be good to yourself and to others.

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  • Username
    Terry
    - November 19th, 2009 at 10:33:47

    I DO NOT THINK CONDITIONS WILL BE MET BY Albert Gunville.

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  • Username
    jdf
    - November 19th, 2009 at 09:04:18

    hey i was drunk when i gat an impared 14 years ago maybe alcohol should have been my defence. smarten up people you cant keep making excuses.

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  • Username
    HLG
    - November 19th, 2009 at 07:00:31

    Bertha and Cecile, I am sad to read your comments. Bertha, I do sincerely hope all witness' recover completely after this obviously terrifying attack. I, as I am sure others are very glad to hear no one was physically harmed. I do however stand behind comments I made in terms of Albert being a good man - he is. I ask all you people a rhetorical question, those of you who have resorted to name calling such as scum , loser , etc. have you lived perfect lives - has everything you've ever done in your lifetime been deemed good. Well there is no need to answer that - especially with sarcasm. Not one person on this earth has lived a perfect life - and some of us have many years to live up to some of these comments we make here today. Now, if you were truthful and answered yes, good for you for being honest - please know this does NOT make YOU a bad person. There are no bad people - only bad choices and actions which is what I have always taught and continually will teach my children. Would you tell your child, brother, sister, mother, father or friend they were a bad person if they committed a crime - even of this degree - doubtful. I agree with all of you, Albert should face consequences as should all of us in the choices we make. I'll say it again, it is way too easy for us to make judgements about people - this each one of us is guilty of. What is that saying - choose your words carefully making sure they are sweet, someday you may have to eat them. I suggest you look into your own backyards - family history - before making further comments. Be good to yourself and be good to others. Have a terrific week - I will. :)

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  • Username
    Bertha
    - November 19th, 2009 at 06:38:23

    A good man does not storm into a bank with a 2 foot knife and demanding money. Druck or Stoned you know what is fundamentally WRONG. I know someone who was in that bank that day and how DARE you defend these scum who did this to them. The innocent people who were there AND thier families will never be the same because of the actions of two men that day. That doesn't sound very compasionate to me. And what a slap in the face for these girls from the bank. $500?!?! Yah that will really deter the next jackasses that think it was a great idea to rob a bank. All they have to do it get druck and they will get a slap on the wrist. Even if the robbers are good people, (which I doubt), people have to pay for the consaquences of thier actions. For those who laugh and joke about the how the girls were terrorized, I hope you never have to watch someone you love survive such an attack.

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  • Username
    Hoof
    - November 19th, 2009 at 04:09:56

    Our justice system continues to be a joke.

    This loser wields a machette and terrorizes all of the bank employees, gets caught and was laughing himself in the face of the justice system by joking around in the court room.

    These losers know that nothing will happen to them if they get caught commiting crimes. I guarantee, these 2 losers will not get any jail time for this disgusting crime.

    Great job again, justice system

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  • Username
    anonymous
    - November 19th, 2009 at 03:28:20

    Dear H.G.L. Gunville from P.A. for your information I am related to the Gunville's from P.A. my grandmother was a Gunville. A lot of my family have and have had addictions. I had a brother who was in jail for murder. I don't condone what he did to the person that he murdered. I still loved him but his addiction was not an acceptable excuse for what he did. So sir I do know how it feels to be on both sides of the fence because my youngest brother was killed over drugs. Everyone has hards times and we all make mistakes which means we must all pay the price for our mistakes.

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  • Username
    H.L.G.
    - November 19th, 2009 at 02:09:11

    Dear Anonymous from Alberta. This is exactly as I suspected fellow relative . Sounds to me like you are carrying a load of bricks and its time you put those down. I agree, all people must pay for their crimes, however without knowing their story I believe you and everyone else commenting should hold back their unsubstantiated remarks, example being he is not a good person. Mr. Gunville is a good man, and will pay for his crime and should. What I do not agree with you on is that addiction is no excuse. Please know that addiction has taken over a good man; it affects/effects all people and eventually can take over ones life as they knew it. I know for a fact addiction played a KEY role in this. It is a warranted example of how an addiction caused a good person to do a bad thing. Had he not been intoxicated that day he would not have taken part in this crime, bottom line. It is what it is. I am however truly sorry to hear of the loss of your youngest brother and for the crime your other brother committed. Now in terms of Mr. Gunville role modelling for his children, this particular time in his life is no example for his children, but it does provide an opportunity for learning for them - so hopefully some good will come out of this. Anonymous from Alberta, I agree with in terms of do the crime, do the time , however I do not agree with you saying that Mr. Gunville is a bad person. He is a good man with an addiction who is still dearly loved by his family. Put down the bricks sir and take care of the here and now and the family you have. Be good to yourself and others. :) It's thanksgiving, be thankful and grateful for all we have and forgive the ones we feel have done us / society wrong.

    Take care.

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  • Username
    frustrated
    - November 19th, 2009 at 01:20:19

    P.S. I like how he is Banned from the Scotiabank in Shellbrook ?? .... what a joke

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  • Username
    GERRIE
    - November 19th, 2009 at 00:52:37

    to hlg, to say this man had no control over what he did because of the alcohol is an ignorant comment. every day people struggle with addiction and the choice of being addicted is their choice just like people who abuse alcohol. their are plenty of services out there for addicts to take advantage of but like i said it is the choice of the person . it all boils down to how you make decisions even when your life hits the crapper. alot of people out there make bad decsions but you all are trying to paint him like a upstanding citizen , yes maybe he had a stroke of bad luck but does alcohol excuse him from his actions? bottom line here is he is going to have to answer for his actions. this is probably going to follow hin the rest of his life and i think that the truely sad part of this is he will have to some day explain this to his children,and explain to them why he has to go to jail. let hope that he will rise above all this after he has served his sentence.

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  • Username
    HLG
    - November 18th, 2009 at 22:52:25

    Update: Albert did meet his conditions - was present as scheduled for his court appearance. Like I said, choose your words carefully making sure they are sweet because someday you may have to eat them.....Terry from Alberta - looks like todays the day to eat your unfounded comments/words posted on October 10 and to the rest of you, be good to yourself and to others and have a super Happy Halloween! :)

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  • Username
    HLG
    - November 18th, 2009 at 20:59:04

    Dear Anonymous from Alberta and Gerrie from Prince Albert. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and I respect both of yours. Not once did I suggest he not spend time for his crime in ANY of the comments I wrote - I suggest to you Gerrie to have another read. I'll say it again, alcohol was the KEY factor in HIS actions. I agree, what he chose to do was not smart, never did I comment it was, but please know this Gerrie, a person does not choose to become an addict - I suggest you read/research addictions before making further ignorant remarks. It is what it is!

    To you both, have a very Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you are both spending time with your loved ones. I will be. Take care. :)

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  • Username
    H.L.G.
    - November 18th, 2009 at 17:15:32

    I have known Albert and his family for more than half of my life. He is no bank robber! He would never hurt anyone. I agree he is being accused of a terrible crime and if he is guilty he did this under the influence of alcohol. Eveyone who knows Albert, and many do in the community, would willingly stand up in court as a character reference in his defence. This man devotes his life to caring for people at the end of their lives and he is good at it. How many of you making these comments can actually say you have a compassionate profession. Keep tuned to the trial and you will learn the facts vs. making unsubstantiated comments. I ask everyone that knows Albert pray for him and his children and wishes him well in getting his life back on track. He is a good man despite how the media is portraying him. Yes, the justice system fails at times, I would say this is definately NOT one of those times. In saying this, I also feel for the staff and witnesses of the crime and hope they and their families receive the debriefing they will no doubt need.

    Submit a Comment

  • Username
    anonymous
    - November 18th, 2009 at 16:54:31

    yeah!! every criminal has an excuse for committing a crime or someone who is trying to defend the criminal. You say this man is on workers comp, well sometimes that is alot more than others have and they don't go out and rob a bank. Right now there are alot of people down on there luck but they are not out there committing crimes. This is not an excuse.

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  • Username
    an indian
    - November 18th, 2009 at 16:33:46

    This is how my trial went at Shellbrook recently past summer.Cops stop me returning home.Because of a breach of an undertaking,and at that time I was going to trial on other matters.Carter was preceding on the matters.Cops go wyt over the top when using thier authority. Like above the law All in All,on the last trial,Judge Carter found me guilty of breach of probation,fined a 50.00 fine.And on that breach the law went way back to 1996,and was breached from my past conviction of impaired driving.And at my first trial,where All charges were dismissed by Judge Ferris,at the sametime the R.C.M.P had charged me for Impaired driving sitting on a passengers side in my car,at the sametime my wife gets impaired.I'm upset knowing the R.C.M.P get away with to much,like I was saying above the law ,It was at trial that ,Representing myself now,The Judge saw on security cameras beating,and piling up on me at the Police station.Now the reality is the laws are all screwed up,along with it's system.I was never on a probation from the beginning.This whole system has now taking away my chances of ever going to the U.S. On land that's supposed to give Aboriginal axis to cross the borders,and now I can't because of this justice system.And knowing this at my last trial,Looks like the system does not like to be beaten.The prosecutor knew this and both agreeing to breaching me for a charge that goes way back to 1996.I've tried but unsuccessfully to no avail to talk to the court office.And this is what they told me ,that there was nothing I could do.When I expained to them it's me, that's been all wrong here in the first place.I still feel this Justice sytem is all screwde-up.In the end I'm still stuck with a fine for 50.00.I know it's a small amount,but my anger is towards the juges prosecutor,and the courts knew this judge makes poor judgements.Where's the Justice when you don't have the resources to take on a System so flawed in many ways.The courts,the R.C.M.P,and courts offices make life so difficult.And about all those departments,like Attorney generals office.They put the problem on the very same people that run the same justice system.I'm a very good person,never want any trouble,and don't go looking for trouble.Sincerily yours,a very honest person who has had to go through many barriers.And dealing with many problems in my own backyard.Alcoholics,druggies,violence.This is all happening while the cops sip on thier coffee at Timmies.Sometimes today I think the cops are the problem.No excuses, such as not having the members is a bad one.Just a force that seems to ABOVE THE LAW period.On a end note,I was on probation since 1996,don't you think I've suffered enough,I think it stinks,now i'm going up against the same breach,because i'm not paying a fine I totally disagree with.Bah Judges.

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  • Username
    frustrated
    - November 18th, 2009 at 16:33:02

    THIS IS BULLSHIT! I can not believe they would let a Armed Bank Robber out on bail! This guy is a low life and robbed a bank! He needs to get what he deserves and not be allowed to wonder around with rules . I don't care what he used to be like HE ROBBED A BANK WITH A WEAPON!

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  • Username
    GERRIE
    - November 18th, 2009 at 14:30:38

    to hlg, i'm sorry but does having a caring family excuse this man from what he has done? HELLO, he commited a crime!!! he robbed a bank and now everyone wants to give him a break.......PLEASE!!! he knowingly walked into a bank and terrified the employees and now your saying he didn't mean it and the justice system should reconsider his his actions.....bull@%*& the only actions that they should consider is how long he should serve for his crime. what kind of message are we sending out? that if your weren't in your right mind as you say this man wasn't that the courts should let him walk? there are other good people who made wrong decisions and have had to pay for their crimes, everyone is always beaking off about how the justice system really sucks. well here is an idea let the punishment fit the crime, and let him sob out his mistake in jail! so he had an addiction, other people have addictions and before you say that this was the reason he commited this crime , everything down to this was his choice including the addiction. a good man doesn't doesn't rob a bank and expect to walk away from it, what about the people of the bank he robbed did he think of how it would affect them? saying this person is a good man doesn't make him a smart one.

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