A judge shortage at the Cranbrook Law Courts has caused Brian Panebianco’s bail hearing to be put over once more to February 6.

Judge Grant Sheard was unable to hear the Provincial Court case on December 13, and so Panebianco’s matter was put over into the new year.

Panebianco, 23, is charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, robbery, assault causing bodily harm, and breach of undertaking. The charges are in relation to the death of Invermerre resident Cory Jarock. He was originally taken into custody in July of this year with the latter three charges. They were upgraded in August to include manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death.

Crown counsel Lynal Doerksen said Panebianco will remain in custody until the February date when a bail hearing will take place.

Columbia Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac has said that Panebianco was well-known to police before his arrest, and was also wanted on other outstanding warrants.

Panebianco’s matter wasn’t the only one affected by the judge shortage. Family court in Cranbrook was held with a judge presiding via video link from another location.