Jail sentence for domestic violence
Corey Andrew Lane, 40, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on March 11 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges related to domestic violence. He was handed 11.5 months in jail or time served.
Lane had been in custody since last July. At his sentencing, the court heard details of domestic violence involving the accused. During one incident, in a shed in Newbridge on Jan. 1, 2024, he kicked and punched his girlfriend during a drug-fuelled attack. She ran to a neighbour for help.
Lane pleaded guilty to uttering threats, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and breach of a no-contact order following an incident on July 18, 2024, at Jackson Falls. RCMP laid the charges.
He also pleaded guilty to uttering threats and breaching a no-contact order for another incident on July 15, 2024, at Newbridge. The crown withdrew another charge of assault.
He pleaded guilty to assault involving a female victim on Jan. 1, 2024, at Newbridge; guilty to breach of a no-contact order on Feb. 7, 2024, at Newbridge; guilty to failing to appear in court on March 5, 2024; and guilty to breach of an undertaking and failing to appear in court on May 14, 2024. The crown withdrew another charge of breaching a release order laid in April 2024.
Woodstock Police also charged Lane with prowling at night near a dwelling house on Main Street in Woodstock and breach of probation on May 28, 2024. The crown withdrew those charges.
On March 11, the court heard Lane came from a troubled background and struggled with mental health issues and drug addiction. He had a lengthy prior criminal record.
In custody on sex charges
Benjamin Greer, 27, of Weston, appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on March 11 to answer several sex charges laid by RCMP. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing by video on March 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Greer was charged with sexual assault, touching a minor for a sexual purpose, making sexually explicit material available to a minor, invitation to sexual touching, accessing child pornography, and using a computer system to facilitate an offence in connection with incidents between Aug. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025, at Teeds Mill. He also faces an additional charge of uttering threats to a female victim.
Awaiting plea for assault
Christopher Canam, 26, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 11 to answer two assault charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for plea on April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Canam was charged with assault involving a female victim and assault with a weapon (a knife) stemming from an incident between Oct. 21, 2024, and Nov. 3, 2024, in Bath. He was released on an undertaking until his next court appearance.
Held for bail hearing
Andrew St. Peter, 32, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on March 11 to answer two charges laid by RCMP. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing by video on March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
St. Peter was charged with two counts of breaching a release order concerning incidents between Jan. 1 and March 11 at Weaver.
Repeat drunk driver sentenced
Ronald Johnston, 69, of Lincoln, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on March 10 after changing his plea to guilty on an impaired driving charge. He was handed 30 days of house arrest and fined $2,000. A one-year driving prohibition was also imposed.
RCMP charged Johnston following a single-vehicle accident on July 16, 2021, in Perth-Andover. His blood alcohol reading was more than three times the legal limit when he left the highway.
Johnston had a prior criminal record that included six previous convictions for drunk driving. The court heard he was in poor health and in no condition to go to jail.
Pair charged in shooting at Mainstream
Patrick Harris, 40, of Fredericton, and Tamara Hamilton, 30, of Woodstock, are both facing charges following a shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17. They will both appear in provincial court on March 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Harris appeared in court in custody by video on March 11, when his bail hearing was adjourned to the new date. He was also awaiting a hearing on March 14 in Fredericton on a breach charge.
Hamilton was released on Feb. 20 with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She was placed under house arrest with a curfew at a residence in Woodstock. She appeared in court on March 11, when her matter was adjourned to the new date.
Harris was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present; possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence, wearing a mask with intent to commit an offence; uttering threats against another man, breach of probation, pointing a gun at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and being an occupant of a vehicle (a half-ton truck) knowing it carried a firearm.
Hamilton was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun.
The pair was arrested by RCMP inside a garage in Pembroke after a blue half-ton truck was spotted leaving the scene of the shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17.
House arrest and $1,500 fine
Vanessa Golz, 35, of Woodstock, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on March 11 after pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge laid by Woodstock Police. She was fined $1,500 and sentenced to 90 days of house arrest.
Golz was charged by Woodstock Police with impaired driving and dangerous driving, stemming from an accident on Jan. 2, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded guilty to impaired driving, and the crown withdrew the remaining charge.
Golz was also prohibited from driving for one year. The last 45 days of her house arrest will require her to follow a curfew. She had no prior criminal record.
Woodstock Police charged Golz following a two-vehicle collision on Connell Street around 4:19 p.m. The court heard she was speeding when the accident occurred. She was also placed on 12 months of probation.
Johnville man has three charges
Cole Smith, 30, of Johnville, will appear in provincial court on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. to answer three charges laid by RCMP.
Smith was charged with uttering threats, assault by choking and unlawful entry at a dwelling house. He appeared in provincial court on March 11, when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Sent for mental health assessment
Mitchell McKenzie, 39, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on March 10 for a bail hearing after being arrested on a warrant. Judge Karen Lee remanded him to Restigouche Hospital for a five-day mental health assessment.
McKenzie returns to court in custody for a fitness hearing on March 17 at 1:30 p.m. RCMP charged him with assaulting another man with a weapon (a wooden pole) following an incident on July 24, 2024, at Wotstak. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 25, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, but then failed to return to court for plea on Dec. 17, 2024.
Released with conditions
Earl James Demerchant, 35, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on March 10 after being arrested on the weekend. He was released with conditions and returns to court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged Demerchant with breaching his release order for an incident on March 8.
He also appeared in provincial court on Feb. 25 to face other charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. That matter was adjourned for plea until March 25 at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged Demerchant with assaulting police, resisting arrest and breach of probation following an incident on Jan. 12 in Woodstock. RCMP also charged him with breach of probation for an incident on Nov. 3, 2024, in Waterville.
Returning for plea
Trevor Lee Bear, Jr., 27, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 11 to answer one charge laid by RCMP.
Bear was charged with breach of probation by violating a no-contact order concerning an incident on Feb. 7 at Neqotkuk. He returns to court for plea on April 8 at (:30 a.m.
Fined $1,000 for impaired
Maria Laura Sorensen, 72, of Richmond Settlement, appeared in provincial court on March 11 and pleaded guilty to impaired driving. She was fined $1,000 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
Woodstock Police charged Sorensen in connection with an incident on Upper Main Street in Woodstock on Sept. 2, 2024. She had no prior criminal record.
In custody awaiting trial
Tanna Wright of Perth-Andover appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 11 to set a date for a bail hearing. She waived her bail until later and returns to court for plea on March 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Wright was charged with breaching her release order (curfew) concerning an incident on Feb. 21 in Woodstock. She appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Feb. 20 for a bail hearing. She was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle, but returned to custody the next day.
RCMP also charged Wright with breaching a no-contact order, assault, assault by choking and uttering threats against another woman concerning incidents on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 at Weaver. She pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for May 1 at 9:30 a.m.
She is also scheduled for trial on July 10 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to assault with a weapon and uttering threats on Dec. 16, 2023, in Greenfield and theft of a wallet in connection with another separate incident.
Remanded for bail hearing
William (Billy) Harding, 34, of Plaster Rock, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on March 13 at 1:30 p.m. for a bail hearing. He appeared in court in custody via teleconference on March 11 when his bail hearing was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.
Harding appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on March 6 after being arrested on a warrant. He was in custody by video on Feb. 10 and was released with conditions but failed to return to court for plea on March 4.
Harding was charged by Woodstock Police with theft from the Superstore and breach of probation following an incident on Sept. 10, 2024, in Woodstock. He was also charged with theft of a laptop and breach of probation on March 20, 2024, and breach of probation by failing to report between Dec. 12, 2023, and Sept. 3, 2024.
Trail has more charges
Joshua Sterling Trail, 41, of Benton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 11 to answer new charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Trail was charged with breaking into a dwelling house on Charlotte Street to commit mischief, unlawful entry for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of break-in tools, possession of a stolen Blue Cross card, mischief causing property damage to a door and interfering with private property in connection with an incident between Sept. 6-7, 2024, in Woodstock.
A co-accused, Dynielle Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, failed to appear in court on March 11 to answer the same charges, so an arrest warrant was issued.
Trail and Larry Shane Kennedy, 50, of Kirkland, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Feb. 18 on indictable robbery charges laid by RCMP.
Kennedy was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He returns to court for plea on March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Trail waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail to await his plea on March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy and Trail were each charged with indictable robbery of a motor vehicle on Feb. 5 at Wostak (Woodstock First Nation), illegal possession of a firearm (a Russian SKS semi-automatic rifle), and improper storage of a gun concerning another incident on Feb. 16 at Kirkland. Trail was also charged with fraudulent impersonation at Richmond Corner on Dec. 9, 2024.
Dynielle Demerchant is also scheduled to appear in provincial court for plea on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. on other separate charges of possession of stolen property and breach of probation concerning an incident on Sept. 17, 2024, in Woodstock.
Carlingford man to stand trial
Patrick Campbell, 29, of Carlingford, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for plea on two sets of charges laid by RCMP.
Campbell was charged with breaching a no-contact order and obstructing the course of justice following an incident on March 3 at Carlingford. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. His plea was adjourned until April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Campbell pleaded not guilty to other charges of sexual assault involving a female victim, assault causing bodily harm, assault by choking, assault with a weapon (a knife), attempting to obstruct justice, and administering a noxious substance in connection with incidents between 2020 and 2024 in Victoria County.
His trial dates were set for March 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and March 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Charged with sexual assault
Christopher Thomas O’Keefe, 27, of Fredericton, formerly of Fielding, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for monitoring about his trial on a sex charge. He told the court he had not yet secured legal counsel for the trial.
O’Keefe was charged by the RCMP with sexual assault in connection with an incident on Feb. 26, 2023, at Upper Brighton. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for Dec. 18-19 at 9:30 a.m. Another monitoring date was also set for April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Decision pending in sexual assault
Maurice Joseph Rossignol, 68, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on March 12 at 10 a.m. for a verdict following his trial for sexual assault.
Rossignol appeared for trial in provincial court on Oct. 23, 2024, after pleading not guilty to sexual assault. Woodstock Police charged him in connection with an incident on Aug. 30, 2023, in Woodstock.
During the trial, the court heard that Rossignol allegedly grabbed a woman by the breast and genitals when he came to her apartment to request repayment of a $45 loan. Rossignol denied the allegations and testified he left immediately after she refused to pay him. The woman told the court she screamed when he grabbed her and then kicked him out.
Plea adjourned on three charges
Christian Shannon, 25, of Williamstown, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for plea on three charges. The matter was adjourned until April 8 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.
Shannon appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on Feb. 11 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him with breach of probation between Jan. 30 and Aug. 16, 2024, in Woodstock; theft from Don’s Pawn Shop on April 30, 2024; and assaulting a female victim on Nov. 17, 2024, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation). He was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court.
Plaster Rock man charged with assault
Philip Campbell, 34, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for monitoring about his trial on two charges. He told the court he was still without legal counsel. Another monitoring date was set for April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Campbell was charged by RCMP with breach of an undertaking and assault involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Oct. 6, 2024, at Perth-Andover. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Canterbury man charged
Chase Rodbard, 21, of Canterbury, appeared in provincial court on March 11 to answer two sets of charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until April 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Rodbard was charged with impaired driving and driving while suspended on Oct. 26, 2024, at Hay Settlement and impaired driving and possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) on Sept. 15, 2024, in Lower Woodstock.
Neqotkuk woman awaiting plea
Amy Moulton of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) will appear in provincial court on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. to answer two charges laid by RCMP.
Moulton was charged with impaired driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident following an incident on Sept. 28, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She was scheduled to enter a plea on March 11 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Centreville woman charged
Amber Dawn Shaw, 35, of Centreville, will appear in provincial court on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. to answer three charges laid by RCMP.
Shaw was charged with obstructing police, fraudulent impersonation and breach of probation following an incident on June 22, 2024, in Upper Woodstock. She appeared in court on March 11 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Seven charges following accident
Rylan McLeod, 21, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for monitoring about his trial. He pleaded not guilty to seven charges laid by the RCMP. A date for his trial will be set on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
McLeod was charged with three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and obstructing police about an accident on Jan. 5 at Bulls Creek.
In custody awaiting trial
Brandon Levesque, 26, of Gordonsville, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on March 7 after pleading not guilty to charges laid by RCMP. His trial was adjourned until March 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Levesque remains in custody. He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 12, 2024, for a bail hearing and waived his bail until later. He was arrested in October and released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was brought back into custody.
Levesque was charged by RCMP with breaching his release order (curfew), assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, and assaulting a police officer in connection with an incident on Oct. 11, 2024, in Gordonsville.
He was also charged by RCMP with breaking into a dwelling house and mischief causing property damage to a door on July 30, 2024, in Plaster Rock and assault with a weapon (a rock) involving a female victim on July 28, 2024, in Plaster Rock.
Sentencing adjourned on sex charge
Ryan Coles, 35, of Drumheller, Alberta, appeared in provincial court by video on March 10 for sentencing on one sex charge laid by RCMP. His sentencing was adjourned until April 22 at 1:30 p.m. to allow for the completion of a victim impact statement.
Coles was charged with touching a female minor for a sexual purpose, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault in connection with an incident on Sept. 2, 2022, in Perth-Andover.
On Oct. 9, 2024, Coles appeared in provincial court for the continuation of his trial and changed his plea to guilty of touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable). The remaining two charges will be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing.
The court heard the victim testify at length during the trial about being sexually assaulted by the accused. A Snapchat conversation was also entered into evidence by the crown.
Crown Prosecutor Samantha Goodine said she would seek a jail sentence for Coles, while Defence Counsel T.J. Burke advised he would request a conditional sentence order of house arrest.
Sentencing set on two charges
Tina Noella Albert, 53, of Upper Kintore, will appear in provincial court on March 12 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP.
Albert appeared in provincial court on Dec. 4, 2024, for a verdict following her trial. Judge Sebastian Michaud found her guilty of uttering threats and guilty of assaulting a police officer, but not guilty of resisting arrest.
Albert was charged following an incident on Oct. 4, 2022, at the Ultramar gas station in Carlingford when she was involved in an altercation with a female police officer.
During the trial, the court heard Albert cursed at the officer, threatened to knock her teeth out, and pushed the door of a police cruiser against the officer’s foot. Video surveillance from the gas station was entered into evidence by the crown.
Albert told the court she intended to appeal her case once her sentencing was completed and later said she was pursuing a private prosecution against the police officer.
Not-guilty plea for Neqotkuk woman
Alesha Rossi, 33, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 11 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. Her trial was scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Rossi was charged with assault involving a male victim, assault with a weapon (a chair), and uttering threats concerning an incident on Oct. 12, 2024, at Neqotkuk. A monitoring date was also set for April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Awaiting trial on firearm charges
Jeffrey David Watson, 33, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court on March 11 for monitoring about his trial on three firearm charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was confirmed for July 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Watson was charged with possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of a firearm dangerous to the public peace, and careless use of a firearm in relation to an incident on Nov. 27, 2023, at Lower Kintore. He pleaded not guilty.
Returning for trial
Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, appeared in provincial court on March 11 and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. His trial was set for March 12-13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged him with dangerous driving, flight from police and breaching his curfew on Dec. 16, 2024, in Woodstock. He was also charged with breaching a no-contact order on Jan. 13 in Woodstock.
A warrant was issued for Stewart’s arrest after he failed to appear in court to answer charges on Dec. 10, 2024. He also failed to appear in court on Oct. 30, 2024, and an arrest warrant was issued at that time.
He was charged with two counts of breaching his release order (curfew) concerning incidents on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, 2024, in Woodstock.
Stewart was also charged with breaking into a dwelling house on May 25, 2024, in Killoween and possessing a stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville.
He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 30 for a bail hearing after being arrested on warrants. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. The court heard Stewart attending a rehab facility in Moncton under house arrest. A pre-trial conference was set for Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Plea pending on multiple charges
Jonathon Daniel Stockford, 36, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court on March 11 to answer multiple charges laid by RCMP. His plea was adjourned until April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Stockford appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on Feb. 18 and was released with conditions. He was charged with breaching his release order following an incident on Feb. 18 at Bedell.
He also appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 21 after being arrested on a warrant. RCMP charged him with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while suspended, and breach of probation concerning an incident on Aug. 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He has a lengthy prior criminal record.
Trial adjourned for new date
Jerry Inman, 68, of Kincardine, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on March 7 for the continuation of his trial on a firearm charge laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until March 18 at 1:30 p.m., when a new date will be set for the continuation of his trial.
Inman was charged with intentionally discharging a firearm into or at a place knowing another person was present there in connection with an incident on April 27, 2023, in Kincardine. He pleaded not guilty and his trial commenced on Dec. 13, 2024.
Couple facing trafficking charges
A Neqotkuk couple will appear in provincial court in custody by video on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on multiple charges laid by RCMP.
Nicholas Paul, 47, and his wife, Jennifer Louise Paul, 45, were arrested at Tobique First Nation.
Jennifer Paul was denied bail in December. She was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property (cash), possession of a prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried it a gun for an incident on Sept. 25, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Nicholas Paul was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property (cash) for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He appeared in court in custody by video on Jan. 30 and waived his bail until later.
At the time of their arrest, they were each charged by RCMP with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Jennifer Paul was also charged with breach of a release order (no weapons), possession of a stolen licence plate, and possession of a prohibited weapon (a collapsible baton) without a licence on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty and has trial dates in April.
Nicholas Paul was also charged with breach of a release order and driving while prohibited on Sept. 22-24, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and breach of a release order (no drugs), possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a stolen licence plate on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
On March 11, the couple appeared in court in custody. The court heard a resolution is being sought with the crown to resolve matters where they are jointly charged.
