Iqaluit man facing aggravated assault denied bail

A justice of the peace has denied bail for an Iqaluit man who was charged with aggravated assault last month.

Justice of the peace Will McNair told Robbie Mikkigak, 32, his request for release was denied based on the grounds of protecting the safety of the public.

Mikkigak, a slight man with long black hair tucked behind his ears, appeared before McNair in an Iqaluit courtroom on Feb. 24.

The police charged Mikkigak and another man, Charlie Ningeok, 32, in connection with the beating of a 30-year-old man in the 2200s area on Feb. 20.

The victim suffered “serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” the police said.

Ningeok was released on strict bail conditions on Feb. 21, McNair said in court on Feb. 24.

Mikkigak’s bail hearing was adjourned until Feb. 26 when he appeared again before McNair, this time with a shaved head and wearing the navy blue sweatshirt issued by the Baffin Correctional Centre.

Media are banned from publishing any evidence given at bail hearings in order to protect the accused’s right to a fair trial.

After denying Mikkigak’s request for bail release, McNair placed an order on Mikkigak that prevents him from talking to Ningeok except through his lawyer.

The court scheduled Mikkigak’s next court appearance for March 17.