ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A man facing multiple charges related to a crime spree that included a carjacking at gunpoint, a holdup at a bank and an armed robbery at a gas station appeared by video in provincial court in St. John’s Thursday morning, looking to have a date scheduled for trial.
Crown prosecutor Renee Coates indicated at least six days would be needed for the trial of Jason Gosse, who has been in custody since his arrest last month.
Gosse, 41, was arrested the night of Jan. 12, hours after the RNC had made a public appeal for help locating the people responsible for a series of armed robberies in St. John’s a day earlier.
Just after midnight on Jan. 11 RNC officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a Freshwater Road gas station. Two men had entered the store and approached the counter, demanding cash and cigarettes before fleeing down Merrymeeting Road. One of the suspects was carrying a weapon, described as a pistol.
Shortly after 4 p.m. the same day, RNC officers responded to a report that a vehicle had been stolen near St. Clare’s hospital. Upon arrival the officers learned two men armed with what appeared to be a handgun had approached a person in a vehicle, demanding they get out. The suspects took the vehicle and left.
Not long afterward, police received a report of an armed robbery at the CIBC bank in Churchill Square. Two men had reportedly entered the bank and approached a teller while brandishing a gun, then fled with cash. They were last seen running to a blue vehicle.
Police subsequently located the stolen vehicle.
Gosse is accused of multiple counts each of robbery, and wearing a disguise with the intention to commit a crime, as well as firearms offences and court order violations. He is also charged with offences related to a home invasion that took place last August.
Gosse’s lawyer, Robert Roach, told the court he still hasn’t received all the disclosure in the case, particularly in relation to the home invasion.
Judge David Orr scheduled a pre-trial conference to begin May 13. Gosse’s trial will be held July 2-9.
Tara Bradbury covers court for The Telegram. [email protected] | Twitter: @tara_bradbury | Facebook: @telegramtara
