A mother and son have pleaded guilty for their roles in a violent robbery that left a Gravenhurst man tied up and assaulted inside a Southwood Road home.
Branden Reed, 34, and his mother, Jody Spears, 53, appeared in a Bracebridge courtroom where they admitted to their involvement in the February 2025 incident. Reed pleaded guilty to forcible confinement, robbery and breaching court orders, while Spears pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
Court heard that on Feb. 27, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Bracebridge detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, along with Muskoka EMS, responded to a call from a residence on Southwood Road in Gravenhurst.
According to evidence presented in court, the victim had driven to the residence, which was occupied by Reed and Spears, to collect money that was owed to him. The victim and the were known to each other.
Once inside the residence, Reed and another man, who was also charged in the incident, tied the victim to a chair, assaulted him and stole his wallet. Court heard the three accused then left the residence in the victim’s vehicle and drove into town, where they used the victim’s stolen debit card to purchase approximately $190 worth of alcohol.
While the accused were away, the victim managed to free himself and fled the residence in his socks. He ran to a neighbouring home where he told the resident what had happened. The neighbour then contacted police.
Officers attended the residence and executed a warrant, arresting all three suspects inside the home. Police also located the victim’s keys within the residence.
The court was told Reed had completed a nearly two-year jail sentence less than six months prior to the incident.
During proceedings, Justice Edward Carlton described the crime as “a grave act of violence and domination,” warning that offences of this nature often result in federal prison sentences.
A Joint submission was accepted for time served, noted as 321 days. Reed was also sentenced to three years’ probation.
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