A mother and son have pleaded guilty to their roles in a violent robbery that left a Gravenhurst man tied up and assaulted inside a Southwood Road home in Gravenhurst.
Branden Reed, 34, and his mother, Jody Spears, 53, appeared in a Bracebridge courtroom where they admitted to their involvement in the February 2025 incident. Reed pleaded guilty to forcible confinement, robbery and breaching court orders, while Spears pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
Court heard that on Feb. 27, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Bracebridge detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, along with Muskoka EMS, responded to a call from a residence on Southwood Road.
According to evidence presented in court, the victim had driven to the residence, which was occupied by Reed and Spears, to collect money that was owed to him. The victim and Reed were known to each other.
Once inside the residence, Reed and another man, who was also charged in the incident, tied the victim to a chair, assaulted him and stole his wallet. Court heard the three accused then left the residence in the victim’s vehicle and drove into town, where they used the victim’s stolen debit card to purchase approximately $190 worth of alcohol.
While the accused were away, the victim managed to free himself and fled the residence in his socks. He ran to a neighbouring home where he told the resident what had happened. The neighbour then contacted police.
Officers attended the residence and executed a warrant, arresting all three suspects inside the home. Police also located the victim’s keys within the residence.
The court was told Reed had completed a nearly two-year jail sentence less than six months prior to the incident.
During proceedings, Justice Edward Carlton described the crime as “a grave act of violence and domination,” warning that offences of this nature often result in federal prison sentences.
A Joint submission was accepted for time served, noted as 321 days. Reed was also sentenced to three years of probation.
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My mistake: The victim visited the suspects’ house, not the other way around. It was not a home invasion
Can’t believe the justice system. It need’s to be reviewed and changed immediately .
Are you kidding?? A home invasion, forcible confinement, assault, theft of the car, and using a stolen credit card is worth less than a year in jail?? This is exacrly why Mr. Reed was right back at it less than six months after getting out of jail. Life must have been pretty sweet in there with 3 meals a day, laundry service, and no bills to pay. It must be frustrating for the officers to see known criminals back on the street so soon. And what happened to his mother and his accomplice? Did they ever get charged? Somehow I doubt it
I can see why there are no comments! It kind of leaves one speechless as well as a waste of our tax dollars. No resolution or rehabilitation….