A judge has released a Montreal man who is charged with uttering death threats over Facebook on bail despite concerns that he "doesn't look stable."
David Abitbol, 28, allegedly armed himself with high-powered weapons because he believed he was being followed by elves.
Justice Robert Marchi granted Abitbol bail under conditions that he surrender his firearms, not use a computer or any wireless device and see a psychiatrist. Abitbol must also remain in the care of his mother.
"His words are chilling," Marchi said. "How can anyone verbalize so much violence? He's naming names, it's worrisome. He's got firearms. He doesn't look stable."
Despite his concerns, Marchi released Abitbol on assurances from the man's mother that she would take care of him. Marchi was also reassured by the conclusion of a specialist who determined Abitbol is not delusional.
Abitbol's father posted the $25,000 bail.
Abitbol was charged with uttering death threats, allegedly over Facebook. He's been in custody for about two weeks.
None of the charges against Abitbol have been proven in court.
CTV Montreal's Stephane Giroux said Abitbol was arrested after a friend he was chatting with on the Internet became concerned.
The friend told police Abitbol made threats against former school teachers and classmates, Giroux told CTV News Channel.
During bail hearing testimony, the court heard that Abitbol thought he saw elves stalking him and he thought he needed guns to protect himself.
"The judge said if he's seen by a psychiatrist and his guns are taken away from him . . . he is seen as a manageable risk if he is released on bail," Giroux said.
But Marchi expressed concern over the man's father, Joseph Abitbol, who the judge said showed a lack of judgement when evaluating his son's problems.
The elder Abitbol denies his son has psychological problems, says his son was only joking in his alleged threats, and says the police overreacted.
"I'm left speechless by his casualness, it's overwhelming. I would have expected him to show some concerns about his actions," Marchi said.
Abitbol is also facing child pornography charges.
His guns were all registered but he also faces charges of improper weapons storage.
