Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Friday, July 11, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A trial scheduled for Joseph Poodlat Wednesday did not happen after the Crown and defence lawyers reached an agreement in the case.

Poodlat, 57, was supposed to face multiple charges including uttering threats. Once he pleaded guilty to one charge each of breach of undertaking and breach of probation, the Crown stayed the remaining charges.

Poodlat was charged after an incident on March 15 when RCMP found him intoxicated and passed out on the steps of Yk Centre Mall. He was on a probation order not to be on the premises. The second incident on April 24 came after RCMP responded to a call from an Extra Foods employee reporting that Poodlat was causing problems in the parking lot of the YK Centre Mall. He was located sitting at the entrance and was again intoxicated.

Crown attorney Maryse Nassar asked Judge Brian Bruser for a sentence of four to five months in custody. Nassar said Poodlat has a lengthy criminal record "with some very serious charges on it."

Poodlat was convicted in 2005 and given a year in jail after a grisly attack on a dog. He admitted to using a screwdriver, hammer and caribou antler on the animal, his neighbour's pet, while living in Taloyoak.

Poodlat is now a resident of Yellowknife and sometimes makes a living by panhandling and shovelling snow in the winter. His attorney Patrice Taylor asked for time served and for his probation order to be amended so that he may be allowed in the mall if he is sober.

Before sentencing, Poodlat addressed the court and apologized for his actions.

"I'd like to apologize for being here and apologize to the RCMP," he said.

Bruser granted the amendment so Poodlat may go to the mall if he has not been drinking and sentenced him to four months in jail. Having spent roughly 75 days in jail awaiting trial, Poodlat was credited with time served and released.