Eight months in jail for domestic assault
Philip Sappier-Solomon, 31, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was sentenced to eight months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 28 for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP.
Judge Karen Lee also placed him on probation for 18 months and ordered him to seek counselling as required. He must also register with the federal DNA database and will have a lifetime prohibition on firearms. The court also imposed an $824 restitution order.
RCMP charged Sappier-Solomon with assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, mischief causing property damage (a phone), breach of peace bond, and breach of probation following an incident on Nov. 27, 2024, at Centreville. He had been in custody since that time.
He pleaded guilty to assault by choking and breach of a peace bond, and the crown withdrew the remaining charges. Sappier-Solomon had a prior criminal record.
During his sentencing hearing, the court heard details of a violent assault on a female victim during a domestic dispute. Police were called to the scene and discovered a woman injured and bloodstains on the walls and floor of her residence. Both the accused and the victim were drinking at the time of the incident.
Perth-Andover man back in custody
Mitchell LaFrance, 26, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 28 for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP.
LaFrance pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by failing to comply with a no-contact order at East Brighton on Oct. 2, 2023.
He also pleaded guilty to criminal harassment for incidents between Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, 2023, in Lower Brighton, involving the same female complainant. The court heard he tried to contact the same female victim hundreds of times by phone, text messages, and on Facebook. The crown withdrew a threat charge.
After hearing final submissions from the crown and defence counsel on Tuesday, Judge Karen Lee reserved her decision on sentence until Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Crown Prosecutor Daniel Standing recommended LaFrance serve four months in jail for the offences, noting the accused had a previous conviction for criminal harassment in 2020.
Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul requested her client receive a conditional sentence of house arrest so he could continue employment.
LaFrance remains in custody on a new charge of breaching his release order for an incident on Jan. 24. He is awaiting a bail hearing this week in Edmundston.
At a previous court appearance, LaFrance pleaded not guilty to other offences and a trial date was set for Jan. 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
LaFrance appeared in court in custody by video on Dec. 16, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him in connection with an alleged breach of his house arrest on Dec. 7, 2024. He pleaded not guilty.
RCMP also charged LaFrance with breaching a no-contact order for an incident on Sept. 21, 2024, at Florenceville-Bristol. He also faces a charge of assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim stemming from an incident on July 19, 2024, at Carlingford. He pleaded not guilty.
Charged with being a ‘peeping tom’
Derrick Roy Goodine, 67, of Oxbow, Victoria County, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 on charges of being a peeping tom. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.
Goodine appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 6 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged by RCMP with prowling at night, secretly observing a female person without their consent, and breach of probation for an incident on Jan. 2 at Florenceville-Bristol. The charges were amended on Tuesday to delete allegations of visual recording.
“There is no video unless she’s a porn star,” Goodine told the court.
“Sit down, Mr. Goodine, you’re not helping yourself,” said Judge Karen Lee.
Judge Lee then lifted a publication ban at the victim’s request. Local lawyer Suzette Macdonald told the court she was the victim in the case and wanted to be identified for the record.
MacDonald also stated she would be applying to request the disclosure of evidence from the crown. Judge Lee advised that she would review her request once it was received.
Quebec man handed jail sentence
Frederick Garneau Watson, 43, of Saint Liguori, Quebec, was sentenced on Jan. 23 to eight months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on four charges laid by the RCMP.
Garneau Watson was remanded to jail after RCMP used a spike belt to stop a vehicle travelling in the wrong lane on the Trans Canada Highway. The driver then fled from police near Woodstock during the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2024. RCMP arrested him near Maliseet Fuels at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).
Garneau Watson pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, flight from police, assault and obstruction. In addition to jail time, he was fined $600 and placed on 12 months of probation. A 12-month driving suspension was also imposed.
Police laid the charges after receiving a report of a vehicle travelling in the wrong lane on Highway 2 around 1:30 a.m. and then spotted it driving erratically in the parking lot at Maliseet Fuels. The vehicle attempted to flee the scene. Police deployed a tire deflation device to stop it. The driver exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene. After his arrest, a loaded handgun was located in the vehicle.
Sentencing delayed on sex charge
A River de Chute man, facing jail on a sex charge, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 for a hearing about withdrawing his guilty plea.
Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022.
He pleaded guilty, and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim over six years.
Judge Karen Lee questioned Sargefield at length on Tuesday about his request to withdraw his guilty plea. He told the court he was unprepared for the hearing and did not file an application regarding his case.
Judge Lee reviewed court transcripts with Sargefield, noting that he answered the charge on the record by saying, “I’m guilty for the things I did.”
Sargefield acknowledged that statement but said he was now denying his guilt. He also did not agree with all of the facts presented and said he believed the victim was “pushed” into making the allegations against him.
Two other sex charges, which were to be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing, will remain before the court as a result of Sargefield’s request to take back his guilty plea.
To do so, Sargefield must prove he was unaware of the allegations and charges, that he was unaware of the effect and consequences of his guilty plea, that his plea was not made voluntarily, and that his plea was equivocal in nature.
Crown Prosecutor Samantha Goodine told the court that Sargefield was represented by qualified legal counsel when he entered his guilty plea and was made aware that a lengthy jail sentence was coming. She said he was informed throughout the court process and had 15 months to review the disclosure. Goodine said Sargefield’s arguments and denial did not meet the requirements for withdrawing his guilty plea.
Judge Lee adjourned the hearing until Feb. 13 at 9:30 a.m. to allow the crown to make further submissions.
Suspended sentence, probation for threats
Rodney Stevens, 56, of Aroostook, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 and changed his plea to guilty on a threat charge laid by RCMP. Judge Karen Lee handed him a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation with an order to seek counselling as required.
Stevens was charged with uttering threats in connection with an incident on July 5, 2024, at Aroostook. He told the court he was on drugs at the time, and he did not recall much of the incident, but he believed the victim was telling the truth. Stevens told the court he was now living in Nova Scotia.
Two face charges for assault at Woodstock Legion
Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock, formerly of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Christian and a co-accused, Hannah Dawn McGuire, 18, of Woodstock, were each charged by Woodstock Police with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident following an incident outside the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock on Nov. 14, 2024, around 8:55 p.m. Police were called to the scene, and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
McGuire appeared in court on Jan. 28 for plea, and her defence counsel requested that the matter be adjourned until Feb.25 at 9:30 a.m.
The pair was arrested on a warrant while attempting to cross the Woodstock-Houlton border on Dec. 20, 2024. They were held in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 23, 2024, and released with conditions.
Theft of copper wire
Dana MacLean, 59, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 for monitoring about his trial.
MacLean will appear for trial in provincial court on Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to theft and mischief charges laid by the RCMP. On Tuesday, he told the court he was still seeking legal counsel. Another monitoring date was set for June 24 at 9:30 a.m.
He was charged with committing mischief causing property damage and theft of copper wire in connection with an incident on July 24, 2024, near Plymouth Road.
Arrest warrant issued
The court issued an arrest warrant for Brandon Michael Francis, 29, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Jan. 28.
Francis appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Jan. 6 and was released with conditions. The RCMP charged him with breach of probation and arrested him on the weekend of Jan. 4.
Charges withdrawn
The crown withdrew charges laid against Tina Noella Albert, 53, and Xander Gray of Upper Kintore, when they appeared in provincial court for plea on Jan. 28.
They were each charged with unlawful entry at a dwelling house concerning an incident on March 23, 2024, at Upper Kintore. Albert told the court on Jan. 7 that she did not understand the charge since the residence identified was her house.
Trial date set
Abdulmajid Alghlid, 59, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 to set a date for his trial on an assault charge. Judge Karen Lee scheduled his trial for Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m. and released him on an undertaking until his next court appearance.
Woodstock Police charged Alghlid concerning an incident in Woodstock on May 27, 2024. He entered his not-guilty plea on Jan. 14. The court heard an Arabic translator will be needed to assist him at his trial.
Plea adjourned on multiple charges
Jack Michael Pirie, 20, of Woodstock, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Jan. 28 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Woodstock Police charged Pirie with assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats in connection with an incident on May 1-2, 2024, in Woodstock.
He was also charged with assaulting police with intent to resist arrest on June 8, 2024, in Woodstock.
Pirie appeared in provincial court in custody on June 10, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. The court heard he had entered a rehab facility in Moncton for three months. On Tuesday, his defence counsel advised the court a resolution was being sought with the crown.
Woodstock man awaiting plea
Patrick Rattray, 30, of Woodstock, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Jan. 28 to answer four new charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Rattray was charged with assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim, assault by choking, uttering threats and failing to provide the necessities of life in connection with incidents between Jan. 1 and Feb. 9, 2024, in Woodstock.
He also appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 10, 2024, and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged Rattray with breaching a peace bond, uttering threats, assault, and mischief in connection with an incident on Oct. 9, 2024, in Woodstock.
On Tuesday, the court heard a resolution was being sought with the crown.
Trial scheduled for Neqotkuk man
Robert Lewey of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by RCMP.
Lewey was charged with theft of a vehicle, impaired driving, dangerous driving, and mischief causing property damage in connection with an incident on Aug. 25, 2024, at Neqotkuk. His defence counsel entered his not-guilty plea on Jan. 28.
Charges laid following accident
Rylan McLeod, 21, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on seven charges laid by RCMP.
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 at Bulls Creek.
He appeared in court on Jan. 28 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard a resolution was being sought with the crown.
Awaiting trial on firearm charges
Jeffrey David Watson, 33, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 for monitoring about his trial on three firearm charges laid by RCMP.
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, and his trial was set for July 2 at 9:30 a.m. Another monitoring date was also set for March 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Sentencing set on six charges
Deven Lennon, 31, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 and pleaded guilty to six charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for April 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Lennon pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (keys), and assault involving a female victim on Oct. 20, 2024, assaulting a female, assault with a weapon (a bottle), and uttering threats on Nov. 5, 2024, and assaulting a female, on Oct. 2, 2024, all at Neqotkuk.
Wotstak woman awaiting sentencing
Catherine Polchies, 46, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan. 24 and changed her plea to guilty on three charges laid by RCMP. Her sentencing date was set for April 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Polchies was charged with breaching a release order and possession of stolen property on Feb. 1, 2024, and unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm for an incident on Nov. 11, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded guilty to the breach and one firearm offence and the remaining charges will be withdrawn at sentencing.
Polchies was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with discharging a firearm too close to a dwelling house and not wearing hunter orange following an incident on Sept. 27, 2022, at Lower Woodstock. She pleaded guilty to one count under the Fish and Wildlife Act.
Johnville man denied bail
Ryan Troy O’Donnell, 27, of Johnville, will appear in provincial court in custody for sentencing on two charges on Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m. He was denied bail on Jan. 9.
O’Donnell was charged with possession of stolen property (cheques) on Dec. 16, 2023, in Beechwood, and mischief causing property damage on Feb. 15, 2024. The RCMP laid the charges. He changed his plea to guilty, and a sentencing date was set for Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m.
O’Donnell pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an incident in Beechwood between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30, 2021. His trial date was set for Jan. 16. After one day of testimony, the trial was adjourned for final submissions on Jan. 31 at 9:30 a.m.
The court heard he was also facing other charges in Edmundston. O’Donnell has a prior criminal record.
Moved to alternative measures
Alesha Rossi, 33, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan.28 for plea on three charges laid by RCMP.
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.
The court heard the matter is being moved to the alternative measures program. Rossi returns to court on Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. for approval from the crown. Once she completes the program’s requirements, the charges will be withdrawn.
Bedell man returning for plea
Andrew Richardson, 37, of Bedell, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 28 to answer one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Richardson is charged with impaired driving in connection with an incident on March 3, 2024, in Woodstock.
Sentencing set on three charges
James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to three charges.
Dow was charged by RCMP with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement.
On Jan. 28, the court heard another charge of uttering threats was being transferred from Moncton. Defence Counsel Brent Dickinson entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client, and sentencing was set for the same time on March 18.
Diversion for Ontario man
Ryan James Dunford, 43, of London, Ontario, appeared in provincial court via teleconference on Jan. 28 for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was diverted to the alternative measures program with the consent of the crown.
Dunford was charged with mischief causing property damage to a vehicle on June 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking and entered a rehab facility in Ontario. To have the charge withdrawn, Dunford has until April 29 to complete the requirements of the alternative measures program.
Murder charge in Nova Scotia
A Perth-Andover man is facing a murder charge in Nova Scotia while also awaiting plea on charges in Woodstock.
Patrick James Denny, 29, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by teleconference on Jan. 28 to answer charges laid by RCMP. He told the court he was currently serving a federal prison sentence and was awaiting a court appearance by video for charges in Nova Scotia.
Denny returns to court in custody for plea in Woodstock on Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m. on charges of reckless discharge of a firearm, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and possession of a firearm without a licence, concerning an incident on Nov. 15, 2022, in Hartland.
On Oct. 21, 2024, Denny was charged by Halifax RCMP with second-degree murder and committing an indignity to human remains in connection with a homicide that occurred in East Preston, Nova Scotia, on Aug. 30, 2022.
The charges were laid in Dartmouth Provincial Court after police responded to a report of a suspicious van parked behind a strip mall in East Preston. Inside the vehicle, RCMP discovered the body of Barry Angus Studley of Middle Sackville. Denny and Studley were known to each other.
In May 2023, Denny was sentenced in Woodstock to a total of three and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a police chase near Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation) that involved weapons and assaulting a police officer. Denny was on parole when he was arrested. He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 21, 2022, and waived his bail.
