Alberta pastor to be released, faces $1,500 fine

By Derek Craddock

Posted March 22, 2021 6:48 am.

Last Updated March 22, 2021 11:09 am.

EDMONTON – An Alberta pastor who was jailed for violating COVID-19 restrictions will be released.

A judge has allowed James Coates from GraceLife church to go free after spending 35 days in jail. Coates will be forced to pay a fine of $1,500.

Coates agreed to plead guilty to the charge of disobeying a court order after he was told to stop holding large church gatherings after first receiving a penalty from Alberta Health Services (AHS).

However, two other counts relating to the public health order have been dropped.

The judge did not agree to a smaller fine of $100 and said he wanted to make a statement about people who continue to disobey public health orders.

WATCH: Alberta pastor jailed for breaking health protocols will remain behind bars for at least another night

Alberta pastor jailed for breaking health protocols will remain behind bars for at least another night
An Edmonton judge will make his final decision to grant pastor James Coates bail Friday morning. Lawyers tell Citynews if the pastor is denied bail, he will remain locked up until his trial in May.
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      Coates was in prison after refusing to abide by a bail condition that he not lead services at the church.

      A trial on the charge of breaching the Alberta Public Health Act is set for May.

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