|
Jay Prober, Nygard's lawyer, told a judge in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, that keeping the 79-year-old defendant in
custody during the pandemic "would be nothing short of a death
sentence."
Canadian police arrested Nygard in Winnipeg on Dec. 14 at the
U.S. government's request under the countries' extradition
treaty. U.S. officials charged Nygard with having since 1995
used his influence and businesses to "recruit and maintain"
victims in the United States, Canada and the Bahamas to sexually
gratify himself and his associates.
Prosecutors said victims were assaulted by Nygard or his
associates, with some drugged to ensure they met his sexual
demands, and that Nygard often targeted victims who came from
disadvantaged backgrounds or had suffered abuse.
Nygard has denied the allegations.
He appeared in Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench via video screen,
wearing a grey shirt and with his grey and white hair pulled
into a bun.
In an affidavit, Nygard said he has been unable to continue his
sugar-free diet in prison or sleep in a suitable bed and risks
dying there from a potential COVID-19 infection.
"My health has seriously deteriorated. I am getting weaker every
day," Nygard said.
The bail hearing, set for two days, began with cross-examination
of two Nygard associates, one of them a convicted drug dealer,
who have offered their houses as sureties.
Prosecutor Scott Farlinger has said he opposed bail because
Nygard is a flight risk and a danger to re-offend.
Born in Finland, Nygard grew up in Manitoba, eventually running
his namesake clothing companies and becoming one of Canada's
wealthiest people.
He also faces a U.S. civil lawsuit by dozens of female accusers,
which is on hold pending the U.S. criminal investigation.
(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content
|
|
