The unassuming man from the Forest Hill neighbourhood who made headlines when arrested in connection with the G20 summit was denied bail late last month. However, a publication ban on his case is causing speculation, and there is a divide between his supporters and opposers.
“It was quite shocking to find out, this is what he was keeping busy with,” said Ricky Silberman, an Elderwood Drive neighbour, regarding Sonne’s charges that include intimidation of justice and possession of an explosive.
However others, such as Mike Murray, his former boss, swear by his innocence. “We all admit Byron was not the smartest in doing what he did…. but that being said, he’s also not Timothy McVeigh,” said Murray, comparing him with the Oklahoma City bomber.
Sonne worked in security and Murray said that when security personnel look for flaws in protection systems, such as Sonne did during G20 preparations, their actions can be misconstrued. “We’re learning to break security for the purposes of helping people improve it,” he said.
However, regardless of intent, Sonne will remain detained. His lawyer, Breese Davies, said they are currently preparing for trial.