Man accused of attempted murder in alleged hit-and-run granted bail

A man accused of attempted murder in connection to an alleged hit-and-run has been granted bail.

Patrick McGuire, 40, left the Barrie courthouse with loved ones by his side on Monday after being released to his aunt who pledged $5,000 to serve as his surety.

The justice of the peace ordered McGuire only to be released from custody with strict bail conditions, including house arrest.

McGuire is facing two counts of attempted murder after Michelle Vainer, 28, and her partner, Joe Leclair, 35, were injured in the alleged attack on August 12.

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Police said Vainer was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene around 3:40 a.m. near Wellington and Robert streets in Midland. Investigators said she was found on the road with serious injuries and rushed to a Toronto area hospital. She has since recovered.

Vainer and LeClair have a history of drug charges dating back several years. Their charges remain before the courts. Leclair made a court appearance Tuesday in Barrie, while Vainer has two dates before a judge this month in Barrie and Midland.

McGuire also faces charges, including dangerous driving causing bodily harm and failure to stop at a crash causing bodily harm.

His girlfriend and co-accused, Gerogia Quanbury, faces two counts of accessory to attempted murder. She remains in custody. According to court records, Quanbury has been charged every year since 2017, offences include theft, careless driving and drug possession.

McGuire’s lawyer, Stephanie Marcade, declined to comment on his release.

McGuire returns to court next month. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.