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Court briefs 30 days in jail for assaulting girlfriend
Cara Loverock Northern News Services Published Friday, March 6, 2009
The 20-year-old man was at the Shell station with his girlfriend when a conversation turned violent. "He punched her in the face with a fist, kicked her in her legs and ribs and punched her a second time in the face," Crown prosecutor John McFarlane said. The woman reported the incident to police on Jan. 3 and the assailant, who has no criminal record, was subsequently arrested. "I understand the conversation centred around her infidelity," said defence attorney Stephen Shabala. "He went too far with his anger that evening." Shabala also noted the two had consumed alcohol at the time of the offence. "Spousal assaults are prevalent in our jurisdiction," said Judge Christine Gagnon. She handed down a sentence of 30 days jail and one year probation. Man remains silent during court A man facing one charge of sexual assault and one breach of court conditions didn't say a word during a court appearance on Tuesday. When spoken to by Chief Judge Brian Bruser, the man would only shake his head in refusal. Crown prosecutor Garrett O'Brien said he would later attempt to speak with the accused outside the courtroom even though the accused shook his head to indicate "no" when asked if he wanted to talk to a lawyer. "If I'm totally unsuccessful that's what I'll have to report," said O'Brien. Bruser said the man's inability to understand proceedings may have to be examined. Daughter-in-law appears as translator A man charged with sexual assault had his daughter-in-law appear in court with him in order to translate on Tuesday. He will next appear in court on March 31 with a Croatian interpreter. Chief Judge Brian Bruser said an interpreter will be made available, possibly by telephone. Crown prosecutor John McFarlane said the Crown is proceeding summarily on a charge of breaching court conditions. The man is being indicted on the sexual assault charge.
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