Chatline case delayed

Accused's bail hearing adjourned to Oct 5

A man who met another man on a telephone chatline and then allegedly assaulted, tied him up and robbed him has had his bail hearing adjourned to Oct 5.

Balding, stocky and clad in orange jailhouse garb, Anthony Paul McDonald appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court Sep 24 by closed circuit TV from North Fraser Pretrial Centre. He will remain in custody until his next court date.

Vancouver police allege that McDonald (of no fixed address) arranged to meet a 52-year-old man at his East Vancouver apartment Aug 23.

Police allege that when McDonald arrived, the 29-year-old man sucker-punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground. He then allegedly tied the victim to a chair and stole his wallet, car keys and car.

Police say a neighbour heard the victim yelling and called police who freed him.

The man suffered minor injuries.

Around 10 pm, the victim’s stolen car was spotted in the 500 block of East Cordova, and the driver was taken into custody.

He was wanted on a BC-wide warrant from Victoria for forcible confinement, threatening and assault. Those charges relate to an incident from Aug 17, 2000, court records show.

The Victoria case will also be heard in Vancouver, provincial court officials say.

In connection with the East Vancouver incident, McDonald is charged with robbery, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen credit cards, unlawful confinement, uttering threats and theft over $5,000.

The August incident led police to remind people to meet in a public place, let others know your plans, carry a cell phone and report suspicious incidents.

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