By Ashley Wiebe

Vogelsang granted release on Alberta robbery charges

Dec 13, 2017 | 3:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The man accused of robbing two banks in Medicine Hat and four others in Saskatchewan has been granted release on the Alberta charges.

Steve Vogelsang, the former news director of CTV Winnipeg and a journalism instructor at Red River College, appeared in court on Wednesday via CCTV for his bail hearing.

The alleged robberies happened in October, the first at a local RBC branch, the second at the Bank of Montreal.

Vogelsang’s lawyer, Greg White, argued for a release of one week so Vogelsang could return to Manitoba and get his affairs in order.

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He would then turn himself back into police.

Once back in custody, White said Vogelsang could under go a psychological and NCR (not criminally responsible) assessment.

White told the court he’s spoken with a forensic psychologist who believed Vogelsang may not be criminally responsible and may be bipolar.

A childhood friend, Dean Sawatzky, was also in court to offer a surety.

Sawatzky took the stand to say he’s known Vogelsang since Grade Two, and have kept in touch over the last 46 years, even taking vacations together.

The Crown was opposed to the release, stating the gravity of the offences, while noting Vogelsang has no previous criminal record.

The judge said he was concerned over the serial aspect of the robberies, noting the charges in Saskatchewan, but said there is safety in knowing Sawatzky would be keeping a close eye on him, which is one of his numerous conditions.

Vogelsang’s first order will be to start the process over again in Saskatchewan.

He’s expected to appear in Medicine Hat court on January 23rd, 2018.