Hit and run accused is released on bail

A man charged in the July 13 hit and run death of 18-year-old Lauren Cooper was released on bail Thursday. Stephen Alchin, 34, formerly of Halton Hills, appeared for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton. He faces a charge of criminal negligence causing death-- which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment-- as well as charges of failing to remain and drug possession. Alchin, who wore green camouflage shorts and a dark green jacket, didn't react nor glance at his family when Justice of the Peace Prior Bonas read his decision, but his mother, Joanna, and older brother, Roger, let out an audible sigh of relief. The Georgetown residents were designated as Alchin's sureties, and stand to lose $50,000 each should Alchin violate any of the conditions imposed by Bonas. These conditions include that he live with his mother and report to police weekly. He must seek and maintain employment, not operate any motor vehicles and not purchase or consume non-prescription drugs or alcohol. He must remain in his mother's house between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless he's with one of his sureties, and he had to surrender his passport. Any contact with the victim's family is forbidden, and Alchin must stay at least 500 metres away from the victim's home at all times. A publication ban prevents the reporting of any evidence presented in court as well as the justice's reasons for granting bail. Cooper was struck by a vehicle while she was rollerblading between 8 and 10 p.m. She was discovered by her father lying in a ditch close to their Second Line home, just north of No. 15 Sideroad, about 10:40 p.m. She was pronounced dead at Milton District Hospital. Alchin, of no fixed address, was arrested at Halton Country Inn on Sixth Line in Nassagaweya just before 7 a.m. the next day.