Jack Tobin, left to right, Jodean Tobin and Brian Tobin arrive holding hands at Ottawa Court in Ottawa on Jan. 27, 2011 for further proceedings in charges against Jack for the Christmas eve death of his friend Alex Zolpis.Pawel Dwulit
The son of former Newfoundland premier and federal cabinet minister Brian Tobin made his first court appearance Thursday since he was charged in connection with the Christmas Eve death of his best friend.
John Joseph Tobin, known as Jack, appeared briefly in an Ottawa court to have his bail conditions amended before the matter was adjourned for two weeks.
Mr. Tobin faces two impaired-driving charges and one dangerous-driving charge in connection with the incident which left his longtime friend Alex Zolpis dead.
The two had gone to high school and university together.
Mr. Tobin was arrested after police were called to a downtown parking garage in response to reports a man was pinned under a truck.
He was released on $100,000 bail on Christmas Day.
Mr. Tobin's lawyer says a condition that he must appear in court for all legal matters has now been lifted.
"It's a very tragic case and [with]extended media on every appearance, bringing him and his family into court seems unnecessary and not in the normal course," Norman Boxall told reporters outside the courthouse.
He declined to get into the details of the case, saying the only appropriate place for those comments was before the judge.
Other conditions of Mr. Tobin's bail included staying away from alcohol and living with his parents.
They were both in court as well on Thursday, flanking their son as he sat quietly during the short proceedings.
As they exited, the 24-year-old held the door open for spectators.
The family left court together but did not speak to the media.
His next court date was set for Feb. 10.