Ontario courts are stretched to their limits. Will a new minister of bail reform help? [Video]

On Jan. 9, 2023, the relative of a Richmond Hill man accused of assault, choking and breaking the terms of his probation among a total of 13 offences paid down $1,000 for a new commitment — a promise the man would follow strict rules in exchange for temporary freedom.

They put up the money needed for a new bail order, signing off as his surety. Both the man and his relative agreed he would follow a slew of conditions, including a nighttime curfew and avoiding several locations and contact with certain people.

The promise lasted barely six months before he was back in court, again.

This time, he faced a litany of new charges, ranging from theft at a grocery store and damaging the bumper of a vehicle to attempted murder and assault with a weapon.

The charges also included two more allegations that the man, whom Global News is …