Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 04/05) - Judge Brian Bruser haggled over a $106.50 fine in a Yellowknife courtroom this week, refusing to be railroaded by a tardy criminal.

The unpaid fine came up as Robert Laliberte, 22, was being sentenced for breach of probation, assault and three counts of failing to show up in court.

Laliberte, who has racked up 22 convictions on his record in his short life, including two escapes from the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre in 2003, pleaded guilty on all five charges.

Bruser noted Laliberte hadn't paid $106.50 in restitution to Bigway Foods in Hay River, ordered in 2002 after he was charged with mischief under $5,000.

While Crown lawyer Shannon Smallwood was anxious to forget about the fine, Bruser said the court had to "stand tall" on the issue.

"The court isn't going to be intimidated by the defendant," he said.

Bruser added the fine to an eight-month probation for the current charges after Laliberte said he could pay cash.

Laliberte received credit for the three months in jail since July.