Sentencing set in domestic dispute involving handgun
Allan Charles McLaughlin, 63, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 31 and pleaded guilty to weapons charges related to a domestic dispute. His sentencing date was set for Sept. 4 at 1:30 p.m.
McLaughlin was denied bail on May 29. He was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (a nine-millimetre handgun), pointing a firearm at a female victim, assault with a weapon (a handgun), and careless use of a firearm in connection with an incident on April 13 in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainants.
He also pleaded guilty to breaching a no-contact order on April 15 in Canterbury.
Woodstock Police attended a residence on April 13 to answer a call about a domestic dispute. During the course of their investigation, they determined McLaughlin had produced a loaded handgun and pointed it at a female victim during the altercation.
Following this incident, police executed a search warrant at the same residence, which resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns, and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition.
Decision reserved after trial
Joseph Martin, 38, of Perth-Andover, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on July 31 and Aug. 1 after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by the RCMP.
Following two days of testimony, Judge Henrik Tonning reserved his decision on a verdict until Aug. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Martin pleaded not guilty to possession of a stolen ATV and breach of probation for an incident on Feb. 21, 2024, in Perth-Andover. The first day of the trial focused on those charges.
Martin also pleaded not guilty to indictable assault but guilty to reckless discharge of a firearm, breach of probation, and breaching a no-contact order on July 4, 2024, in Perth-Andover.
The second day of testimony focused on the assault allegation. Four other charges related to the July 2024 incident were withdrawn by the crown. A sentencing date for his guilty pleas will be set at his next court appearance on Aug. 14.
House arrest and probation
Amber Dawn Shaw, 35, of Centreville, was handed three months of house arrest and 12 months of probation when she appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Aug. 1.
Shaw pleaded guilty to obstructing police, fraudulent impersonation and breach of probation following an incident on June 22, 2024, in Upper Woodstock. She had a prior criminal record.
Crown Prosecutor Sean Corscadden told the court Shaw presented a false identification when police stopped the vehicle she was travelling in. Shaw said she knew there was a warrant for her arrest, so she panicked.
Defence Counsel Wanda Severns argued Shaw had kicked her drug habit, and was working full-time and doing her best to turn her life around.
Judge Tonning agreed the accused deserved some leniency for the positive steps she had taken since the incident. He ordered her to seek counselling as required during her probation. She will be permitted to attend work during her house arrest.
In custody awaiting trial
Trevor Gerald McDougall, 34, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on July 31 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial date will be set at his next court appearance on Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m.
McDougall appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on July 21 and was denied bail. He was charged with assaulting a female victim and breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 17 in Woodstock.
Denied bail and remanded
William (Billy) Harding, 35, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 30 for a bail hearing. He was denied bail and will return to court in custody for plea on Aug. 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Harding appeared in court in custody by video on July 29 for a fitness hearing following a 30-day mental health assessment at the Restigouche hospital. He was found fit to stand trial.
RCMP charged him with breaking into a dwelling house, mischief causing damage to his ankle bracelet, and three counts of breaching his release order on June 7 in Perth-Andover.
He was also charged with assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a male victim and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace following an incident on May 11 at Perth Andover.
Harding appeared in provincial court on April 22 to answer theft charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. Those matters were adjourned for plea until June 10, but he failed to appear, and a warrant was issued.
Harding was charged by Woodstock Police with theft from the Superstore and breach of probation following an incident on Sept. 10, 2024, in Woodstock.
A co-accused, Tammy Schloemer, 60, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was charged in relation to the same incident at the Superstore. Schloemer pleaded not guilty to theft and was released with conditions until her trial. She also returns to court on Aug. 19 at 9:30 a.m. to set a trial date.
Harding was also charged with theft of a laptop in Perth-Andover on March 12, 2024; breach of probation on March 20, 2024; and breach of probation by failing to report between Dec. 12, 2023, and Sept. 3, 2024. He has a prior criminal record.
