Shane Jason Mahar of Trenton is escorted out of Halifax provincial court in June 2023 after getting bail on charges from an investigation into the trafficking and sexual exploitation of young females. The 51-year-old Pictou County man pleaded guilty this week in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Halifax to two counts of obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under the age of 18 and will be sentenced in December. Photo by Steve BruceArticle contentA Pictou County man who has pleaded guilty to two charges laid in a 2023 investigation into the trafficking and sexual exploitation of young females in the Halifax area was released on a new bail order Friday.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentShane Jason Mahar, 51, of Trenton was taken into custody at the Halifax Law Courts on Wednesday after he was more than four hours late showing up for his Nova Scotia Supreme Court trial.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMahar pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under the age of 18 rather than stand trial on a total of five charges.Article contentHe remained behind bars until Friday, when the Crown consented to his release on a $15,000 bail order with a new surety and conditions of house arrest.Article contentJustice Christa Brothers ordered Mahar to surrender his passport and stay away from Halifax Regional Municipality except for when he’s attending court or dealing with medical emergencies or appointments.Article contentThere are exceptions to the house arrest for employment, medical matters and legal commitments, but Mahar must notify New Glasgow Regional Police before he leaves his residence and when he returns home.Article contentThe judge ordered him to have no contact with the complainants that have come forward in the investigation and not be within 50 metres of their residences, schools or workplaces.Article contentArticle contentMahar also cannot associate with his co-accused or communicate with anyone under the age of 18, except for his son.Article contentArticle contentIn addition, Mahar is prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs and from attending parks, playgrounds, schools, community centres and any other places frequented by children.Article contentMahar was originally granted bail in June 2023 after spending two weeks in custody. At that time, the Crown agreed to his release on $10,000 bail with his aunt as surety.Article contentBut this week, prosecutors Josie McKinney and Katie Lovett said Mahar’s aunt was no longer suitable to be a surety, forcing him to find someone else to supervise his release. His business partner is now his surety.Article contentAfter finalizing the details of Mahar’s release Friday, the judge scheduled his sentencing hearing for Dec. 8.
Pictou County man released on new bail order pending December sentencing on Halifax sex charges
