Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 17/01) - The message of obeying conditions set out for people released by territorial courts was driven home earlier this week.

A man released on an undertaking after being convicted of assault earlier this spring in Rae was told he had to stay away from alcohol.

After a night of drinking and partying in Yellowknife the man broke the window of a recreation vehicle and got 45 days in jail for not obeying the conditions set out. He was also put on probation for mischief.

The court heard the man staggered to a local residence at about 5 a.m. on May 29, weeks after the Rae assault.

The occupant of the house heard the high-pitched sound of glass shattering, went outside to find his RV window smashed and called police.

"I don't have any hesitation in assuming that most, if not all, of his past criminal behaviour is alcohol-related," said Judge Brian Bruser during sentencing on Aug. 14.

"The accused has to understand that a court order is a court order."

Bruser also ordered the man to serve four months on probation for mischief.