Five months in jail for “plastered, drunken man”
David Phillips, 69, of Glassville, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 14 and was sentenced to five months in jail after changing his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP.
Phillips was also prohibited from driving for three years and was ordered to pay $248 in restitution for damage to a police car.
Phillips was charged by RCMP with flight from police, dangerous driving, refusing a breathalyzer demand, impaired driving and driving while suspended following an incident on Sept. 17, 2021, in Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded guilty to impaired driving and flight from police. The crown withdrew the remaining charges.
In passing sentence, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean described the accused as a “plastered drunken man wheeling down the road into traffic.”
The court heard police received a complaint about an intoxicated driver in downtown Florenceville-Bristol. The driver, later identified as Phillips, was all over the road and swerving into oncoming traffic. He refused to stop for police despite lights and sirens, so the officer pulled up beside him and began yelling for the driver to stop.
Phillips looked directly at the officer with a blank stare and kept driving. The officer then positioned his police cruiser in front of Phillips’ vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. Phillips “pinballed” the police car from behind while spinning his tires and pushing the police car forward.
The officer got out, removed the accused from his vehicle, and arrested him. Phillips was so intoxicated he could not stand up on the highway.
“This is truly shocking behaviour,” Judge McLean said. “The reality of someone being hurt or killed was through the roof.”
Phillips had a prior criminal record that included four previous convictions for criminal driving. He told the court he could not remember any details of the incident.
Arrested and held in custody
Patrick Thomas Tatlock, 59, of Wapske, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 13 after being arrested on multiple charges by RCMP. He waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail.
Tatlock was charged with three counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited, two counts of improper storage of a gun, and three counts of possession of stolen property concerning incidents on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 in Wapske. Two other charges of altering a manufacturer’s serial number were also laid under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Tatlock returns to court in custody for plea on Jan. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. The court heard more charges are pending against the accused.
Sentencing set for Neqotkuk man
Noah Saulis, 23, of Neqotkuk, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on March 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. after changing his plea to guilty on three charges laid by RCMP.
Saulis appeared in court on Dec. 15 and pleaded guilty to assaulting another man and dangerous driving on Oct. 4, 2022, in Carlingford, and guilty to flight from police on Oct. 4, 2022, in Perth Andover. The crown withdrew several other charges.
Four months of house arrest
Allen Edward Wong, 59, of Nackawic, received a four-month conditional sentence of house arrest when he appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 14. He was also fined $100 and can’t drive for a year.
RCMP charged Wong with failing to stop for police regarding an incident near Woodstock on Sept. 5, 2021. He pleaded guilty. The crown withdrew a remaining charge of dangerous driving.
Wong must follow a curfew during his house arrest, and he must not consume alcohol or drugs. He had a prior criminal record.
The court heard Wong did not speed away from police during the incident but continued driving into downtown Woodstock despite police lights and siren.
Burrell found not guilty of threatening social workers
Ramone Anthony Burrell, 32, of Florenceville-Bristol, was found not guilty of threatening social workers and not guilty of obstructing justice when he appeared in court via teleconference on Dec. 14 for a verdict following his trial.
Burrell was charged by Woodstock Police in connection with family court proceedings on Nov. 1, 2022, initiated by social workers at the Department of Social Development.
During his trial, two social workers testified they were in family court in Woodstock on Nov. 1, 2022, to give evidence in a child protection matter when Burrell stood up in the prisoner’s dock, waved his arms, pointed his finger at three social workers, began to swear and yelled: “Make sure I stay in jail… forever!”
Judge Sebastian Michaud found Burrell not guilty of both charges. Michaud ruled Burrell’s words conveyed a warning, but there was not enough evidence to show a threat was made to cause death or bodily harm.
“He came close to the proverbial line, but I cannot conclude that he crossed it,” Judge Michaud said.
Michaud also said the family court proceedings resumed without further interruption after a brief recess, so there was no obstruction of justice.
Burrell was released with conditions when he appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 28. He told the court his partner was coming to pick him up from Ontario.
As part of his release, Burrell was ordered to have no contact with the social workers involved in the case. Burrell completed a one-year jail sentence on other charges of assault, threats, intimidation and criminal harassment for more incidents related to a 2021 investigation by Social Development.
Burrell was denied bail and remanded on June 2, 2022, after being arrested on warrants by Hamilton Regional Police. In addition to his one-year jail sentence, he spent several months in remand waiting for trial.
Holt sent to drug rehab instead of jail
A Victoria County woman was expected to receive 15 months in provincial jail for a string of crimes she blamed on her drug addiction to methamphetamine. Instead, she was sent to a drug rehabilitation facility for a year.
Amber Holt, 32, of Bluebell, appeared for sentencing in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 14 after pleading guilty to multiple charges laid by RCMP.
In consultation with the crown and defence counsel, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean handed Holt a 12-month conditional sentence of house arrest to be served at a drug rehabilitation facility in Shediac.
Judge McLean told Holt that if she violated her conditions, she would be arrested and sent back to jail to complete her sentence. She was also prohibited from driving for one year, and a ban on firearms was also imposed. Holt had a prior criminal record and, in the past, spent time in a federal prison.
Holt pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence (.22 Magnum rifle), careless use of a gun for an incident at a camp on June 22, 2022, in Weaver, guilty to flight from police on Sept. 5, 2022, in Perth-Andover, guilty to possession of a stolen chequebook and fraudulent impersonation between May 24 and June 14, 2022, in Perth Andover, guilty of fraud at a grocery store in Perth-Andover on June 11, 2022, possession of a stolen vehicle and a stolen licence plate on Sept. 5, 2022, in Tilley, guilty to breach of probation by failing to report between June 19 and March 3 in Woodstock, and guilty to failing to appear in court in Woodstock on Aug. 1.
In referring to her pre-sentence report, Judge McLean said Holt suffered “incredible hardship in her life,” and drug addiction was her “biggest threat.” McLean said time in a drug rehab facility could “give her another chance at life” and provide more help for Holt than she would get in jail.
“I think she deserves that, and the community is far better off for that,” Judge McLean stated.
Holt was escorted from jail to rehab, and compliance checks will be made to make sure she is drug-free and following the rules of the program.
Holt appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 15 after being arrested on a warrant. She waived her bail until later and was remanded to jail. She appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on July 27 after being arrested on a warrant. She was released with conditions but failed to return to court.
Returning to court for plea
Justin Frenette of Florenceville-Bristol will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by RCMP.
Frenette was charged with assault while threatening to use a weapon (boiling water), assault with a weapon (a lit cigarette) and assault involving a female victim, stemming from three separate incidents in Glassville on Sept. 6, Oct. 10 and Oct. 25. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Held for bail hearing and released
Martina Crouse, 32, of Rosedale, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 14 and was released with conditions. She returns to court for plea on Jan. 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
RCMP charged Crouse with possession of a firearm without a licence (a rifle), improper storage of a gun, and possession of a firearm with the serial number altered concerning an incident on July 27 at Rosedale.
Released with conditions
Terrance Wright, 60, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 14 and was released with conditions. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
RCMP charged Wright with three counts of uttering threats against a female victim and committing mischief causing property damage in connection with an incident on Dec. 11 at Greenfield. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.
Greenfield man remanded
Dustin Arthur Hawksley, 28, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 14 for a bail hearing. The hearing was adjourned until Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m., and Hawksley was remanded.
RCMP charged Hawksley with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet), escaping lawful custody, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on Dec. 6 at Greenfield.
The charges allege Hawksley removed his ankle bracelet, and when under arrest, he allegedly punched a police officer in the face, kicked police while they were loading him into a vehicle, and tried to make his escape.
Hawksley is also awaiting plea on several other charges. He appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Sept. 28 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was also placed under house arrest at a residence in Greenfield but was brought back into custody on Dec. 7.
Hawksley was charged by RCMP with break and enter at a dwelling house, two counts of assault on a female victim, and assault with a weapon (a plate) in connection with an incident on July 2 at Bloomfield.
Woodstock Police also charged him with assaulting a female, assault by choking and breach of an undertaking for another incident on Aug. 5 in Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 24.
Hawksley was ordered to have no contact with the two complainants and must have no drugs, alcohol or firearms in his possession. He must also attend court as required.
Agreed to peace bond
Thomas Kaye, 21, of Benton, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 13 on an assault charge. He agreed to sign a nine-month peace bond, and the trial did not proceed.
RCMP charged Kaye with assaulting a female victim in connection with an incident on Oct. 23, 2022, in Benton.
Neqotkuk man charged with fraud
Brock Vollmar, 47, of Neqotkuk, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on a fraud charge.
RCMP charged Vollmar with defrauding the band office of more than $5,000 concerning incidents between July 2 and July 4, 2022, at Neqotkuk. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Charged with assault
Britney Waite, 33, of Centreville, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an assault charge.
RCMP charged Waite with assault in connection with an incident on July 17 at Centreville. She made her first court appearance on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Alternative measures not completed
Makayla Shaw, 26, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 on one charge laid by RCMP.
Shaw was charged with taking a vehicle without consent concerning an incident on Feb. 1 near Anderson Road. The matter was first diverted to the alternative measures program, but Shaw told the court she did not complete the program requirements.
She pleaded not guilty to the charge, and a trial date was set for Sept. 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for May 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Trial dates set on several charges
Brandon Cecil Armour, 34, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 13 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by Woodstock Police. Trial dates were set for Oct. 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Armour was charged with breach of an undertaking and failing to attend court on July 11, as well as theft of a vehicle and resisting arrest on Aug. 14. Woodstock Police also charged him with prowling at night and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on March 24 in Woodstock.
He also appeared in provincial court on Nov. 16 and changed his plea to guilty on three other charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Feb. 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.
Armour was charged with breaking into a dwelling house, committing mischief, causing property damage to a door, and assaulting a female victim, stemming from an incident on June 8, 2022, in Beechwood.
Armour appeared in court in custody on Aug. 15 after being arrested on a warrant. He appeared on Sept. 28 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.
Neqotkuk man gets new trial date
Calvin Joseph Nicholas, 53, of Neqotkuk, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 13 on several charges laid by RCMP. The trial was adjourned until June 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
RCMP charged Nicholas with uttering threats against another man and breaching an undertaking for an incident at Neqotkuk in 2021. He entered his not-guilty plea in May 2022, and a trial date was set for Feb. 17 of this year, but he failed to appear.
Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 4 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. Nicholas has a lengthy prior criminal record.
He was arrested on a warrant after failing to appear for trial on Feb. 17. He also failed to appear in court on Jan. 3 to answer charges of breach of probation and failing to report his whereabouts to the national sex offender registry on July 3, 2022. He pleaded not guilty on all counts at his court appearance on July 18.
DeLong to stand trial in shooting incident
Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 15 and pleaded not guilty to four charges. He returns to court in custody on Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m. to set a trial date.
DeLong was charged with discharging a firearm with intent, flight from police, dangerous driving and breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 14 at Florenceville-Bristol when shots were allegedly fired at a police officer.
Janis Buchanan, 28, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 26 and pleaded guilty to robbery with violence for an incident on May 29 at Florenceville-Bristol. She was sentenced to two years in federal prison on Oct. 24.
DeLong and Buchanan were arrested after a manhunt in Victoria County concerning a series of incidents in the upper river valley.
On Dec. 15, a warrant of committal was issued for DeLong in relation to fines owed. The warrant means he will purge the fines while spending time in remand.
Trial scheduled on 14 charges
Philip Sapper-Solomon, 30, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 13 for a bail hearing. He was remanded to jail and returns to court in custody for his trial on 14 charges on Feb. 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Sappier-Solomon was arrested in connection with an incident on Sept. 17 near Beechwood. He was charged with possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun) while prohibited; possession of ammunition while prohibited; possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence; two counts of possession of a restricted weapon without a licence; being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm; possession of a loaded, restricted firearm (a handgun); assault and assault by choking involving a female victim; assault with a weapon (a cell phone); two counts of uttering threats; committing mischief causing property damage to a phone and tires, and mischief causing damage to a police vehicle.
Trial adjourned on three charges
Billy Joe Pelletier, 37, of Gladwyn, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 11 after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. The trial was adjourned until June 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Pelletier was charged with impaired driving and two counts of endangering the life of a child in connection with an incident on April 14 at Gladwyn.
Released with ankle bracelet
Braxton Denny, 23, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 11. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Denny returns to court for plea on Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. He was arrested on a warrant and charged with breach of a release order.
Denny appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 11 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions and then failed to return to court for plea. He was charged with breaking into a dwelling house and committing mischief concerning an incident on Feb. 18 in Woodstock.
Denny is also scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on March 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other charges laid by RCMP.
Denny was charged with committing mischief causing property damage and breach of an undertaking on Dec. 9, 2022, at Upper Woodstock, and two counts of assault and committing mischief causing property damage on Dec. 8, 2022, at Upper Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant for failing to attend court and was released with conditions. Denny entered his not-guilty pleas at a court appearance on April 25.
Bail hearing scheduled
Jonathon Daniel Stockford, 35, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 15 and requested a bail hearing. The hearing was set for Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Stockford was scheduled for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on other charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police when he was arrested on new charges. All matters were adjourned until his next court appearance.
Stockford was charged with theft of fuel from an Esso station in Florenceville-Bristol, breaking into the Sticks and Stones Storage facility on Burnham Road, theft of tires and rims, possession of stolen property, and mischief causing property damage to the storage facility following an incident on Nov. 14. He has not yet entered a plea on these charges.
The court heard more charges are being transferred from Saint John and Fredericton. Stockford intends to plead guilty to those charges before his sentencing.
Stockford appeared in court in custody on Sept. 14 and pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a release order and committing mischief by damaging an ankle bracelet for an incident on March 28 at Hartland. He was later released with conditions.
He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property (a motorcycle), breach of probation, and breaching his curfew for an incident on Oct. 12, 2022, in Woodstock; and guilty to theft, stemming from a separate incident on July 4, 2022, at the Atlantic Superstore in Woodstock.
Stockford was scheduled to appear in provincial court for plea in November but failed to appear after being arrested on other charges in Fredericton and Saint John. He had been in custody since April.
Neqotkuk man to stand trial
Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 14 to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. The trial was adjourned until March 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. and April 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Perley was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, production of cocaine, unlawful possession of ketamine (a date rape drug) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction, and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2022, at Neqotkuk.
Perley was also charged with possessing forged documents (cheques) and defrauding the band office of over $5,000 between June 13 and Oct. 6 at Neqotkuk. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
He is also scheduled for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. after changing his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP.
Perley was charged by RCMP with breach of a release order, breaking and entering a dwelling house, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace, assault with a weapon, and using an imitation firearm in connection with a Dec. 16, 2021, incident in the community. He pleaded guilty to the breach and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The crown will withdraw the remaining charges.
