Robert Shannon plea adjourned on charges of impaired driving causing injury

A Fredericton man facing eight charges including two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm had his case adjourned until September during a court appearance Thursday.

Robert Shannon, 40, wasexpected to elect whether he wishes to be tried by judge alone or judge and jury, or possibly enter a plea on the charges.

However, defence lawyer Ron Morris asked for an adjournment to review evidence disclosed by the Crown and to consult with Shannon.

Judge Julian Dickson granted the adjournment and scheduled the case to return to court on Sept. 7.

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Shannon is charged in connection with a June 19 collision in a roundabout on Fredericton's northside that injured two people on a motorcycle.

The charges include:

• Two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm.
• Two counts of driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit causing bodily harm.
• Two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
• One count of breaching an undertaking
• One count under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act of driving while suspended.

The charges related to causing bodily harm carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Shannon's lawyer had requested the court order a psychiatric assessment for Shannon, but Provincial Court Judge Julian Dicksonrejected the request.

The driver of the motorcycle involved in the collision, Mike Burden,had to have one of his legs amputated and also suffered broken ribs. He remains in the hospital.

Burden's wife, Kendra Burden, was the passenger on the motorcycle and suffered a crushed ankle. She was operated on Tuesday.