“THREE TO FACE JURY TRIAL FOR BANK ROBBERY,” Winnipeg Tribune. October 29, 1930. Page 3. ---- Magistrate Graham Commits Wyrozub, Gwynn and Pawuk On Holdup Charges ---- Joe Wyrorub, Leslie V. Gwynn, John Pawuk, alias "Cowboy" Christul, were all committed to stand trial on a charge of robbery while armed at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing held before Magistrate Graham in this morning. The charges were connection with a daylight raid on the Bank of Toronto. Transcona, staged about 10.15 am. Oct. 16, when four bandits herded right people into the vault escaped with approximately $12,000.
Percy Hagel, defence counsel, contended there had been no evidence to justify Pawus, who is also charged with conspiracy, being committed on the charge of robbery while armed. He admitted there might be evidence to implicate him on the conspiracy count, but it had not been shown that he was at the bank at the time of the hold-up.
If Pawuk went to the jury on the robbery charge, said Mr. Hagel, the jury might convict him because of his associations with the others.
The magistrate said that in his opinion a prima facia case had been made against, Pawk. Magistrate Graham pointed out tha Pawuk got $200 or the loan of two guns, but Mr. Hagel said this might have been given to him as "hush money."
Herbert Bennett, who is charged with receiving stolen money, was remanded without plea until November 4.
Of the five material witnesses arrested in connection with the affair, Harry Christul, brother of John Pawak, was sentenced to eight days in jail, Tuesday, for contempt of court when he refused to give evidence.
Mrs. Doris Wyrozub, wife of Joe Wyrozub, was ordered released, ball for Fred Preston, taxi driver, was set at $5,000, and ball for Nick Andrysyn and Bill Wladika was set at $300 each.