Benton man goes on rant, hearing adjourned
Edward Hayes, Jr., 30, went on a rant when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9 to answer a series of charges and to set a date for his bail hearing.
Hayes launched into a tirade upon hearing four new charges were being laid against him by Woodstock Police. Judge Karen Lee advised the accused that his hearing could not proceed and adjourned the matter until Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged Hayes with dangerous driving, flight from police, driving while suspended, and breach of a release order concerning an incident on July 25 in Woodstock.
RCMP also charged him with obstructing police following an incident on Aug. 15 near Meductic when a male suspect jumped into the Eel River and was captured and taken into custody.
Hayes was also charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats and theft of a motor vehicle on Aug. 14 in Benton. On Aug. 18, Hayes waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail.
On July 25, police were patrolling in the Benton area when they came across a male individual driving an ATV with no helmet. The driver was identified as Hayes, who was subject to several conditions, including a prohibition against driving and the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, which he allegedly cut off.
Police reported that Hayes rammed a police vehicle with his ATV when officers tried to stop him and then fled the scene.
A short time later, police observed Hayes driving his ATV through the parking lot of the RCMP detachment in Woodstock and across the front lawn at the Woodstock Courthouse. Both properties sustained minor damage.
House arrest, probation
Benjamin Bolster, 21, of Perth-Andover, received six months of house arrest and 18 months of probation when he appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Sept. 9. The court heard he will be spending his house arrest in a rehab facility where he has been undergoing recovery for addiction for the past few months.
Bolster pleaded guilty to arson in connection with a fire at an abandoned building in Perth-Andover on June 17, 2024. He had no prior criminal record.
Crown Prosecutor Wesley McIntosh said the crime was an act of mischief and there was no intention to target the property owner. Bolster turned himself in to the police after the fire and told the court he was remorseful for his actions.
On June 11, he appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He was released from custody with conditions until his sentencing.
Hartland man sentenced
Dylan Rideout, 26, of Hartland, received a four-month conditional sentence order and 12 months of probation when he appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Sept. 9. He will spend the first 30 days under full house arrest.
Rideout pleaded guilty to uttering threats involving a female victim, possession of a firearm without a licence and careless use of a gun (a shotgun) concerning an incident on Aug. 9, 2023, at Cloverdale. The RCMP laid the charges after receiving a report about an incident at a road construction site.
The court heard Rideout was driving an ATV and carrying a shotgun on his back when he drove up to a highway construction zone. When a member of the road crew began to film him with her camera for entering the area, Rideout lost his temper and yelled, “You guys want to get shot?”
Judge Karen Lee ordered Rideout to seek counselling for addiction and mental health as part of his probation. He had a limited prior criminal record.
Wotstak man denied bail
Greg Paul McCormick, 36, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), was denied bail when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 8. He returns to court in custody for plea on Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m.
McCormick was charged by the RCMP with arson causing damage to a dwelling house, three counts of uttering threats, breaking into a dwelling house to commit mischief, three counts of assaulting a police officer while threatening to use gasoline, and causing injury to a dog by choking it in connection with an incident on June 25 at Wotstak.
He appeared in court on July 4 for a fitness hearing following a five-day mental health assessment at the Restigouche hospital. He was found fit to stand trial in accordance with his medical report.
Not-guilty verdict in assault
Tanner Gridzak, 24, of Plaster Rock, was found not guilty on two counts of assault with a weapon when he appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 for a verdict after his trial.
Gridzak was charged with uttering threats and two counts of assault with a weapon (a knife) involving two different victims, and impaired driving in connection with an incident on Nov. 11, 2023, near Arthurette.
The Crown withdrew the threat charge. Gridzak pleaded guilty to impaired driving. He was fined $2,000 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
During the trial, Gridzak testified about a drinking party with two friends that resulted in a disagreement and an alleged altercation between the three men. Police were called about the incident.
In an agreed statement of facts, the court heard Gridzak had a blood alcohol reading of more than double the legal limit when police pulled him over around 9:15 p.m. During his arrest, he told police he had a knife in the console of his truck. The knife was entered into evidence by the Crown.
Judge Karen Lee ruled the testimony from the two complainants was not reliable because “everyone was significantly intoxicated” at the time of the incident.
Warrant on file
A warrant is being held on file for Brodey O’Donnell, 22, of Campbell Settlement, after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Sept. 9.
O’Donnell was charged with assaulting police, uttering threats, and resisting arrest for an incident on July 17 at Campbell Settlement.
He appeared in provincial court in custody in Woodstock on Aug. 19 after being arrested on a warrant on charges in Edmundston. He was later released with conditions.
O’Donnell also appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing in Woodstock on July 28 and was released with an order to return for plea.
Sentencing adjourned
Deidra Fowler, 50, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. after changing her plea to guilty on one charge laid by the RCMP.
Fowler was charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident concerning an incident on May 27, 2023, at Wotstak. Her sentencing date was set for Sept. 9, but she could not attend due to health issues, so the matter was adjourned.
Trial date set
Joseph Diamond, 43, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 and pleaded not guilty to a sex charge laid by Woodstock Police. His trial date was scheduled for Aug. 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Diamond was charged with sexual assault involving a minor in connection with an incident on April 27, 2024, in Woodstock. A monitoring date for his trial was also booked for June 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to confirm he has legal counsel to proceed to trial.
Zealand man changes plea
Sheldon Marr Brewer, 26, of Zealand, appeared for trial in provincial court on Sept. 8 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by the RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Marr-Brewer was charged by the RCMP with breaking into a dwelling house, resisting arrest, flight from police, and dangerous driving concerning an incident on March 12, 2024, near Cloverdale. He pleaded guilty to driving while suspended and resisting arrest, and the Crown withdrew the remaining charges.
Neqotkuk man awaits sentencing
Jerico Perley, 21, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for trial in provincial court on Sept. 8 and changed his plea to guilty on five charges laid by the RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Jan. 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Perley was charged with assault with a weapon involving a female victim, two counts of uttering threats, possession of a prohibited weapon (a guard dog baton/taser) without a licence, possession of a firearm (shotgun) without a licence, assault, assault by choking, and improper storage of a firearm following an incident on Sept. 15, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
He appeared in court in custody in September and was released with conditions.
On Sept. 8, he pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon, one count of uttering threats, assault, possession of a firearm without a licence, and improper storage of a gun. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute. The Crown withdrew the remaining charges.
Sentencing adjourned
Nicholas William Sutthery, 40, of Arthurette, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Sept. 8 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by the RCMP.
The matter was adjourned until Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. to await the submission of a victim impact statement. Sutthery was released from custody with conditions in April. He spent seven months in remand after being denied bail. A sentence of time served is expected when he returns to court in October.
Sutthery was charged by the RCMP with three counts of uttering threats at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) on Sept. 25, assault with a weapon (ramming a vehicle), dangerous driving, break and enter at a dwelling house, and possession of a stolen ATV on May 27 in Perth-Andover, and breach of an undertaking on July 16.
Sutthery was also charged with possession of a stolen truck in connection with an incident between Jan. 1 and Jan. 11 at Carlingford. He has a dated prior criminal record.
Agreed to peace bond
Lucio Esparza Sanchez, 49, of Calgary, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 to set a trial date after pleading not guilty to two assault charges laid by Woodstock Police. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond, and the matter did not proceed.
Sanchez was charged with assaulting two other men concerning an incident on Oct. 15, 2024, in Woodstock. The peace bond will result in the charges being withdrawn.
Resolution sought in accident case
Rylan McLeod, 21, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 for a monitoring hearing about his trial after pleading not guilty to seven charges laid by the RCMP. Trial dates were set for March 4-5, 2026, 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 in relation to an accident on Jan. 5, 2024, at Bulls Creek. The court heard a resolution is being sought with the Crown, and another monitoring hearing was set for Jan. 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Aroostook man to stand trial
Edward Fitzherbert, 48, of Aroostook, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by the RCMP. His trial was scheduled for Nov. 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Fitzherbert was charged with two counts of uttering threats and assaulting another man with a weapon (a baseball bat) stemming from an incident on March 21 at Aroostook. A monitoring hearing was set for Dec. 9 at 9:30 a.m. to confirm he will be ready to proceed to trial.
In rehab, plea adjourned
Jesse Demerchant, 33, of Scott Siding, appeared in provincial court via teleconference on Sept. 9 to answer several charges laid by the RCMP.
He told the court he would be in a rehab facility in Campbellton for the next three months. Judge Karen Lee adjourned his plea until Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. A warrant for his arrest was vacated.
Demerchant was charged with breaching a no-contact order and resisting arrest on May 29 at Windsor and assault, assault with a weapon, and assault by choking involving a female victim on May 14 at Windsor. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 2 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.
Newbridge man awaiting trial
Bernard Murray Turner, 38, of Newbridge, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 and pleaded not guilty to four charges. His trial dates were set for Oct. 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and Oct. 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Turner was charged with breaching a release order (no-contact), uttering threats, assault, and dangerous driving concerning an incident on June 4 in Woodstock.
He also appeared in provincial court on April 8 and pleaded not guilty to a firearm charge laid by the RCMP. His trial will be held on Dec. 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Turner was charged with possession of a firearm without a licence (a shotgun) for an incident on Nov. 5, 2024, at Carlow. A monitoring date for his trial was scheduled for Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
He also appeared in provincial court on Feb. 4 and pleaded not guilty to other charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial dates were set for Dec. 22 at 9:30 a.m. and Feb. 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Turner was charged by Woodstock Police with fraud under $5,000, uttering a forged document and possession of stolen property (a cheque) for an incident on Aug. 3, 2023, in Woodstock.
He also faces a charge of flight from police for an incident on Feb. 16, 2024. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. A monitoring date for his trial was set for Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Warrant issued
The court issued an arrest warrant for Nathan Harper, 19, of no fixed address, after he failed to appear in provincial court on Sept. 9 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Harper was charged with theft from the Canadian Tire Store and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 20, 2024, in Woodstock.
He appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on May 2. He was released with conditions after being arrested on a warrant by Fredericton Police.
Charged with copper wire theft
Dana MacLean, 59, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 to set a new trial date and changed his plea to guilty on a charge of indictable theft. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
MacLean was charged by the RCMP with committing mischief, causing property damage, and indictable theft of copper wire in connection with an incident on July 24, 2024, near Plymouth Road. The Crown withdrew the mischief charge.
Plea and sentencing in October
Caleb Crain, 42, of Piercemont, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one set of charges and sentencing on another.
Woodstock Police charged Crain with carelessly transporting a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence (a semi-automatic rifle), and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, following an incident on June 19 in Woodstock. He will enter his plea on Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Crain was also charged with assault causing bodily harm to a female victim, unlawful confinement, and uttering threats following an incident on Dec. 10, 2022, near Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault and guilty to uttering threats. The Crown withdrew the confinement charge.
On Aug. 20, his application to withdraw his guilty plea was denied by Judge Karen Lee and a sentencing date was set for Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Adjourned for plea
Chandler Spittle, 22, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 to answer counterfeiting charges laid by the RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Spittle was charged with possession of counterfeit money (a $100 US bill) and using counterfeit money concerning an incident on Dec. 24, 2023, at Johnson Settlement. He appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on Aug. 22 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to attend court and was released with conditions.
Facing two charges
Michelle McMann of Perth-Andover appeared in provincial court on Sept. 9 to answer two charges laid by the RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of her defence counsel.
McMann was charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest on March 13 in Perth-Andover.
Trial for alleged assault
Jade Marvin Craft, 52, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on Nov. 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an assault charge laid by the RCMP.
Craft was charged with assault with a weapon stemming from an incident on April 29 at Neqotkuk. The not-guilty plea was entered by the defence lawyer on Sept. 9. A monitoring date for the trial was booked for Sept. 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
