The Similkameen News Leader
Court News
MAN LOSES LICENCE
A 37 year old Princeton man appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16, 2004, to plead guilty to an impaired driving charge. As it was his first offense, Edgar R. Goodman was sentenced to a one year driving prohibition and was ordered to pay a $600 fine.
Goodman asked for the privilege of driving to and from work, but Judge G. Sinclair told Goodman that is not possible under federal law.
LOCAL COMPANY FACES SENTENCE
Brian Fear, owner of Coverall Coveralls, pled guilty in Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16 to three violations of environmental legislation.
The charges relate to unauthorized storage of waste, and contravention of special waste legislation. The company will be sentenced in February, 2005.
MAN FORFEITS GROW-OP EQUIPMENT
On December 16, in Provincial Court in Princeton, Larry Phillips entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of a controlled substance. The Crown indicated to the court there were only five marijuana plants found in Phillips' home but equipment for a larger grow operation was discovered in the home located on Princeton-Summerland Road.
The 42 year old Princeton man was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and forfeited all of the equipment seized by police.
METH BRINGS PROBATION
In Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16, Dichelle Foss entered a guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine. RCMP found scales and other equipment associated with drugs and found traces of crystal meth on one item.
Judge G. Sinclair ordered Foss, who has a criminal record, to serve a term of probation during which she is to attend counseling directed by her probation officer, and she is to pay a $250 fine. She forfeits the equipment found by police.
CHERRIES, DRUGS LEAD TO FINE
Last summer, near 100 Mile House, RCMP received a complaint that a man was selling cherries and drugs. On investigating, RCMP found Charles Lafontaine selling cherries, and discovered 100 grams of marijuana in his van. Lafontaine appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16 to enter a guilty plea for possession of marijuana and a charge of failing to appear in court when summoned. Lafontaine had a criminal record related to drugs and other matters dating back to 15 years ago. He was ordered to pay a $200 fine for marijuana possession and $100 for failing to appear in court.
WOMAN ADMITS GUILT
When 69 year old Nataly Nesterenko crashed into the Hedley Cenotaph on August 1, 2004, she was arrested for impaired driving. She had no previous record of any kind, and told the court she has been careful not to drink and drive.
As it was her first offense, Nesterenko was ordered to pay a $600 fine and is prohibited from driving for one year. She was given a long time to pay, as she is a pensioner.
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT
An altercation at a minor ball game brought Bob J. Byle to Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16. He pled guilty to an assault charge laid May 29, 2003, when he hit the parent of two of the ball players.
The incident involved a friend of Byle who was making rude remarks regarding two young players, and their team. At one point, the friend dropped his pants and "mooned" the team. The parent went over to express his opinion of the rude behaviour, and Byle hit him.
Byle appeared in court with his employer, who owns a security company in the lower mainland area. He spoke on behalf of Byle, saying Byle is "doing great" on the job.
Byle told the court the best thing he's done is leaving Princeton.
Judge Sinclair ordered Byle to serve a nine month probation, make a written apology to the parent and youths, and do 40 hours of unpaid community work.
ASSAULT BRINGS PROBATION
Local resident David Costa appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on December 16 to plead guilty to assaulting RCMP Constable Mike Kelly. The incident occurred on November 1, 2003.
Kelly had gone to a neighbour's residence to settle down a group of youths setting off fireworks. Costa's son was one of the group. Costa learned what had happened and went to Kellyıs home to talk to Kelly. An argument ensued and Kelly ordered Costa off his property. Costa refused to leave. More was said, and it led to Costa hitting Kelly and cutting Kellyıs face.
Judge Sinclair ordered Costa to serve a one-year probation with the condition that he have no contact with Cst. Kelly or Mrs. Kelly except in the instance that Kelly makes contact during the performance of his police work. In addition, Costa must give a written apology to the Kellys.
