Woman charged with robbery granted bail ahead of trial

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on June 6, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge woman charged in relation to a violent assault and robbery earlier in the year, has been granted bail and ordered to stay out of Lethbridge.

Kristen Ariel Healy was released from custody this week following a brief hearing in Lethbridge court of justice, but told to stay away from the city unless she is with her father, who agreed to be her surety while she is out on bail.

Healy will also have to pay $1,500 should she breach her release conditions, which include not having any contact with several people, not possessing weapons, residing with her father near Standoff, and obeying a curfew every day between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Police reported that on March 14 a man had gone to a residence in the 500 block of 24 Street South and entered a motorhome parked at the property. He was speaking with several people inside when a fight broke out, during which he was beaten and bound so he couldn’t leave. He was also cut in the face by a knife and choked before he was released about an hour later.

Suspects stole personal property belonging to the victim, including his bike, cell phone and bank card. Police said the individuals involved are known to one another and the incident was precipitated by a dispute over stolen property.

Police found and arrested a man later in the day, and during a search found the victim’s bank card. Officers arrested a woman the following day.

Healy faces one charge of robbery in connection with the incident, and returns to court next Thursday to set a date for a one-day trial. She also faces charges of break and enter to commit theft and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, which are not related to the March 14 incident. She is scheduled to stand trial on the two charges in August.

Franklin Hugh Taylor Pantherbone, 41, of Lethbridge, is also accused in relation to the March 14 incident, and faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful confinement, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and robbery.