Anneke Ingvaldsen

Michael Katz pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, assault police officer with a taser, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, and impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

The offences occurred on Christmas Day 2021, involving a car collision, flight from the scene, and a violent struggle with police where a firearm was discharged and a taser used against an officer.

The Crown sought a 4-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence argued for a conditional sentence of 6-9 months.

The court considered aggravating factors, including the seriousness of firearm offences, the discharge of a loaded weapon on a public street, the assault on a police officer, and the impaired driving.

Mitigating factors included the accused's guilty plea, remorse, lack of prior criminal record, strong family support, and compliance with strict bail conditions.

The court rejected the defence's argument for a sentencing discount due to alleged excessive force by police during arrest, finding the officers' actions reasonable given the dynamic and chaotic circumstances.

The judge found a conditional sentence inappropriate due to the pressing need for denunciation and deterrence.

This criminal trial concerned four counts of sexual assault, touching for a sexual purpose, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual exploitation against the accused, R.T.L., involving the complainant, A., his former stepdaughter.

The alleged offences occurred between 2004 and 2007, when the complainant was between 13 and 16 years old.

The defence challenged the complainant's credibility based on alleged contradictions, generalities, a history of lying (due to prior non-disclosure to authorities), and a motive to lie.

The court meticulously analyzed each defence submission, finding the complainant's explanations for non-disclosure and inconsistencies credible given her age, dependence, and the manipulative nature of the relationship.

Following a trial where Eric Dalton was found guilty of assault, the court delivered its sentencing decision.

The assault was perpetrated against an intimate partner in the victim's home, a relationship characterized by fear.

Despite the Crown's recommendation for a conditional discharge, the court noted the aggravating factors of intimate partner violence and the offender's lack of remorse or insight into the victim's experience.

Considering the offender's challenging background, lack of criminal record, and positive personal goals, the court imposed a conditional discharge with a three-year probation period, including terms for counselling (Partner Abuse Response, Caring Dads, anger management), no contact with the victim, and community service.