Pat King danced out of an Ottawa courthouse on Friday after being released on bail on new charges of stricter social media restrictions and violating his original conditions and having $25,000 forfeited by the court.
The controversial organizer behind what became known as the Freedom Convoy protests was jailed for a week.
His bail was revoked following allegations that he had violated court-set rules on social media use.
Unable to afford his legal defence, King received permission from an Ontario court to start an online fundraiser for legal fees, but only for that purpose.
Throughout the trial, which lasted three weeks, King used his social media broadcasts to discuss media coverage of his case, his opinions of the judge, criticize prosecutors, and debate COVID-19 relief orders and the “United Nations Migration Compact.”
As CBC previously reported, King also spoke during those broadcasts about the people watching him while out on bail and his plans to sue the government if he wins his case.
Prosecutors say his online activity exceeded permitted limits between July 10 and 29.
Further details of Friday’s bail hearing are subject to a publication ban.
King’s new bail conditions include stricter rules regarding social media use.
Having others post on your behalf is not permitted, and online communications must be limited to fundraising purposes.
The court also placed restrictions on what items King can auction to raise money for his defense: King cannot sell any items related to Freedom Convoy, and is only allowed to describe the items that are being offered for sale.
Several hours were spent in court on Friday examining King’s offending and past social media usage.
After a long lunch break, prosecutor Moise Karimjee and King’s lawyer Natasha Calvinho agreed to King’s new bail conditions.
The court ordered him to leave Ottawa within 48 hours.
King was also ordered by the court to forfeit $25,000 for the alleged violations.
During Friday’s court hearing, King wore the same black sweatshirt he wore when he was arrested a week ago and grimaced throughout the hearing as a signal to reporters, supporters and protesters in the courtroom.
The convoy fee will be decided in October
The Red Deer, Alberta man, who turned 47 last Friday, has pleaded not guilty to malicious conduct, intimidation and other charges for his role in the anti-vaccine mandate protests that drew thousands of individuals and vehicles to downtown Ottawa for nearly a month in 2022.
He is due to return to London in October to appear in court for sentencing on the original charges and for the new bail breach charges.
In April, King was also charged with perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with testimony he gave at a separate bail hearing.
A date for that trial has not yet been set.
