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A Prince William man will be back in court this spring to stand trial on an allegation he set fire to a bar north of Fredericton more than two years ago.

Michael Brideau, 45, of Route 102, previously elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to a Nov. 15, 2021, count of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire to a barn belonging to David and Lisa Bubar.

Brideau was back in Fredericton provincial court Thursday to schedule his trial on the arson charge. He was represented by defence lawyer Tim Murphy, who appeared in court by telephone.

Judge Cameron Gunn scheduled the trial for May 17.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Walkers for the Make a Wish Foundation, in Santa costumes, provide a “Hallmark Thing”

Seeing eight Santas with wishes on their agenda walking through small town New Brunswick just over two weeks before Christmas is definitely a Hallmark Christmas moment.

While only eight people were available to participate on Dec. 9 for the Ho Ho Ho Holiday Walk fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation, they managed to deliver plenty of Christmas spirit on a sunny winter day.

Event organizer Joy Hanson said they got a late start to organizing the 2023 walk but plan to get an earlier start next year. Although this year’s walk raised only $73 for the Make a Wish Foundation, it raised plenty of Christmas spirit among those they encountered in the five-kilometre walk through Woodstock.

“We had a blast doing it around the loop,” said Hanson. “We had kids come out to have their pictures taken with us and honks, cheers, Ho Ho Hos, and people even videotaping us.”

Hanson said a Woodstock teacher told her that the walkers made a lasting impact on her daughter as she arrived in Woodstock to visit.

“My daughter came to visit on Saturday and said she saw the most ‘Hallmark thing’ while driving through town,” the teacher told Hanson.

Only after Hanson posted about the walk on Facebook did the teacher fully understand what her daughter witnessed. 

Hanson said the Ho Ho Ho Holiday walkers enjoyed the positive reaction they received, noting one jogger donated three dollars as she passed by. Others donated after seeing Facebook posts.

“Next year, we’ll start earlier and raise more for this worthwhile organization,” Hanson said. 

The post Ho Ho Ho Holiday Walk delivers some Christmas spirit first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A homeless Fredericton man accused of failing to comply with a court order to register as a sex offender in late 2022 saw the charge dropped Wednesday as he was set to go to trial.

Richard Graham Anderson, 59, of no fixed address, had been charged with a Dec. 8, 2022, count of failing to comply with a court order issued under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act.

The count alleged he failed to attend his initial registration appointment after he was convicted of a summary sexual assault in 2022.

Anderson had pleaded not guilty to the charge last year and was scheduled to stand trial Wednesday. He appeared in Fredericton provincial court, representing himself.

But Anderson spoke with the registration officer before court convened to offer an explanation, and the officer then spoke with Crown prosecutor Samantha Goodine.

When Judge Natalie LeBlanc called Anderson’s case, Goodine said the Crown was withdrawing the charge, noting that upon learning the information Anderson conveyed to the registration officer, it was decided it wasn’t in the public interest to pursue the case.

Anderson is subject to the registration order due to a sexual assault he committed June 11, 2021. He made an unwanted advance after he snuck into a motel pool area in uptown Fredericton, going under the water in the hot tub and touching a woman’s upper legs and thighs.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Two Saint John men convicted of murder in 1984 will appear in court Thursday for the first time since Justice Minister Arif Virani granted them a new trial after information was found that calls into question the fairness of their original trials.

N.B. Power is suggesting a second refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station might be possible around the year 2041, if an expensive five-year plan to fix ongoing problems from the first refurbishment works out favourably.

As patients face overcrowding in Fredericton emergency room over the holidays, N.B. Green Party Leader David Coon wants immediate changes.

Saint John Transit cash fares increased for the first time in over a decade from $2.75 to $3. Director of Transit says the increase aims to bridge a gap between revenue and operating costs.

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A Quebec man accused of sex crimes dating back more than a decade likely won’t be heading to trial, as Crown and defence lawyers are discussing a resolution in the case, court heard Wednesday.

A 26-year-old man from Quebec City faces three indictable charges stemming from events alleged to have occurred more than 10 years ago.

He’s accused of sexually assaulting an underage complainant, touching that minor for a sexual purpose and inviting that same complainant to touch him for a sexual purpose, all between July 1, 2010 and Aug. 31, 2015, in Oromocto.

Because the defendant was under the age of 18 at the time, the charges are being dealt with in youth court. As per the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the defendant’s identity can’t be published.

The 26-year-old man wasn’t present when the case was called in Fredericton youth court Wednesday, but defence lawyer Adrian Forsythe appeared on his behalf, noting he was acting as an agent for the man’s counsel, Nathan Gorham.

Forsythe acknowledged Wednesday’s proceedings marked the third appearance in the case without pleas, but he asked for a further adjournment.

“Just to finalize resolution talks with the Crown,” he said.

The defence lawyer also said the defendant is facing related charges in another jurisdiction, and his defence team was looking to address those issues before resolving the matter.

What those other charges are and where they’re alleged to have occurred weren’t discussed in youth court Wednesday.

Prosecutor Rachel Anstey confirmed that was the case and noted the Crown was consenting to the defence adjournment request.

Judge Cameron Gunn set the matter over to Jan. 31.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The University of New Brunswick is in a legal dispute with its former women’s volleyball coach, Richard Schick, who was fired this fall after complaints and an investigation into alleged discrimination and harassment of team players and staff, according to court documents.

In 1943, New Brunswick soldiers took time to celebrate Christmas near Ortona, Italy. But combat did not cease and two New Brunswickers were killed.

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One reason the holiday season is generally so heart-warming - and this may be the most persuasive explanation for it - is the comfort of traditions. 

A proper turkey dinner can be a major undertaking, and yes it’s delicious, but its very nature is about gathering and sharing. And the debates to which it can give rise - white meat versus dark, cranberry jelly from the can versus homemade, dressing versus stuffing - can be as much part of the fun and warmth as the gifts, laughter and much-needed downtime.

So many Christmas (or insert your favoured holiday here) traditions can be universal in nature, bringing friends and strangers alike together to bond over mirrored memories. I was delighted to discover - early in my relationship with the woman I married - that like my family, hers had a Christmas Eve tradition of a single gift for each person. And invariably, it would be new pyjamas.

But the best traditions, evoking the fondest and most powerful memories, have to be the weird ones. The things your family does or did every year that made your friends look at you with bemusement or confusion. Those traditions that stand out as unique that stand out as part of your family’s identity.

For example, when I was growing up in Charlottetown, my family of six - Mom, Dad and four boys - observed no shortage of holiday traditions, some of the typical, some not so much so.

One of my favourites was the meal after midnight mass. Despite the hour, my parents would put on a huge spread, just for the six of us. Always starting with their lobster bisque, we’d also dine on Mom’s meat pie (essentially a tortière with ground beef and pork), plump sausages, homemade bread and what Dad called “fresh bacon,” which I believe was really pork belly fried to a crisp, which he then drenched in ketchup. He loved it.

My wife and I keep a version of that late-night meal alive as a tradition today, though we skip the fresh bacon and bisque (she loathes seafood).

Another offbeat element of holiday dining in our house was a sweet treat that made its way to our table at the end of Christmas dinner. 

My late mother would bake a small cake, with thick white icing and a single candle sticking out of the top. It was a birthday cake, she’d say, for the baby Jesus. It was a reminder for us kids of the faith-based foundation of the season. We’d sing “Happy Birthday” as a family before Mom sliced it up and doled it out.

Even as a kid, I thought it was a rather odd tangent. I never expressed that perspective, though, because, you know… cake.

Real tree, unreal colour

But the one Christmas tradition that stands out for the MacPherson clan was our Christmas tree. Anyone who visited our home during the season were either awestruck or befuddled by it, but we loved it.

As I already mentioned, our tree was silver. And I’m not talking about an artificial tree that sparkled and shone. I mean a real conifer, perched proudly in our living room. And yes, it was silver in colour. Spray-painted silver.

A neighbour, Ernie Smith, owned a auto-body shop, and every year, Dad would avail himself of that friendship and his facilities to use his gear, designed for painting cars, to transform the pine-scented greenery into a gleaming yuletide tribute that could not be denied, topped or ignored.

Dad would paint the entirety of the tree, allow it to get dry at the shop (well, mostly dry) and then transport it home. The same set of decorations would emerge from the attic. White, silver and blue ornaments. Blue lights and garland. And Mom would coat the whole thing in those thin strands of foil tinsel that would eventually get entangled in the vacuum cleaner before the new year arrived.

To an outside observer, it might have looked like something you’d see in a Vegas casino or as part of a particularly cheesy and ham-fisted episode of Star Trek.

But for me and my younger brothers, it was perfectly normal while also being completely magical. 

We knew other people didn’t coat their trees in sticky paint, and that evergreen was the usual symbolic colour people had in their homes. That just made us feel as though our tree was extraordinary, that the added effort made it maybe a little more magical.

Growing up, I never really questioned the tradition or asked why my dad went to such lengths at what was and remains an incredibly busy time of year for just about anyone.

It was only in more recent years that the family lore behind the Silver Tree came to my attention.

Given my father’s family’s predilection for exaggeration and the erosion of memory over the course of so many decades, I can’t attest this story is 100 per cent accurate, but given the consistency of the broad strokes of the tale, I’m confident that in a general sense, it’s true.

Julia and Squeaky Dan

My father grew up in New Waterford, a Cape Breton coal-mining community, in the middle of the pack of a family of 12 children (Catholics, am I right?). 

His parents were Julia and “Squeaky” Dan MacPherson - so named because a new pair of nice shoes once squeaked when he wore them to church for the first time, and in Cape Breton, nicknames are forever.

Squeaky Dan was a coal miner and the sole bread-winner for a family big enough to be a professional sports team. My father used to joke they were so poor, the only thing a burglar would get when he broke in was practice.

But despite limited means, the family was also ahead of the curve in New Waterford when it came to amenities. The way the stories go, Squeaky Dan was so devoted to Julia, if there was some home furnishing or appliance that caught her eye, he’d do whatever it took to make it a reality for her. A washing machine, a fancy vacuum cleaner. If Julia wanted something, Dan was determined to get it.

Now in the 1950s, a trend emerged that saw people purchasing and erecting artificial Christmas trees in their homes that were white or silver in colour. It was a post-war world, and a Space Age sense of decor seemed to be everywhere that in hindsight seems campy and charming at the same time.

Apparently, Julia saw one of these silver trees - either in a catalog or a store window in Cape Breton, accounts differ on this point - and she was smitten by the new-fangled take on the Tannenbaum tradition.

As soon as Julia expressed her interest in Squeaky Dan’s presence, it was a done deal: there would be a silver tree in their living room for Christmas, no matter what.

For whatever reason - be it timing, access or funds (and given the size of the family and the era, I suspect it was the latter) - buying one of the new artificial trees wasn’t an option. But Squeaky Dan was hellbent on being the genie that would grant Julia’s wishes, and he was going to find a way to make it happen.

Now, the family had a relatively new Electrolux vacuum cleaner, quite the gizmo for the time, and one of its unique features was a reverse setting and a paint-spraying attachment. 

So Squeaky Dan acquired a real tree - whether he bought it, cut one down in the nearby wilderness or embarked on some guerrilla landscaping in a neighbour’s yard, I don’t know - brought it home and hauled it into the basement of the family home.

Armed with the Electrolux and a can of silver paint, he set out to make his bride’s yuletide season as memorable and magical as possible, and he painted that tree in the basement. No tarps, and knowing the MacPherson penchant for cutting corners, likely no safety gear or mask. The walls were streaked with paint as Squeaky Dan covered every bow and needle with a silver sheen.

I would imagine the fumes penetrated every crevice of that modest house.

But Squeaky Dan’s efforts were clearly met with approval and adoration, because from that point forward, every Christmas tree in that household would be painted silver, adding more and more streaks to the basement walls with each passing year.

And obviously, it wasn’t just Julia who was taken with the metallic-tinged tree. My dad continued the MacPherson tradition for years.

Now, I have to admit, there’s no silver tree standing in my living room outside Fredericton. When we first got together, the woman who’d become my wife was less than enthusiastic about the notion when I told her of it, but to be completely honest, I’m just not sufficiently enterprising or ambitious enough to invest the time and effort necessary to keep it going.

‘Top of the list’

Fortunately, the MacPherson family tradition continues thanks to my brother in Ontario.

When he had a family of his own, he was intent on sharing the wonder of the Silver Tree with his kids, so he set out to revive this personal symbol of the season.

Unlike my father, though, he wasn’t so fortunate as to have a neighbour with an auto-body shop, nor did he have an antique Electrolux at his disposal. And even if he did, I doubt he’d want silver streaks on the walls of his finished basement.

So a few years ago, he called a local auto shop and said he had an unusual request.

The woman on the other end of the line said something to the effect of, “Doubt you’ll surprise me. We’ve had a lot of strange jobs over the years.”

“I want to bring in a real Christmas tree and paint it silver.”

When my brother asked her where his inquiry ranked in terms of the oddities at the business, the woman answered, “Well, you’re at the top of the list.”

The first time he painted his own tree, the timing was off, as he wasn’t able to leave it at the shop long enough for it to vent its gases or dry completely. So when he got it home, the tree brought with it a powerful scent of paint and pine.

“Derek, it’s beautiful,” his wife told him, “but the smell!”

“Oh my love, to me, that’s the smell of Christmas,” my sibling said with a smile.

Same here, brother. Same here.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Long before people shared their holiday photos on Facebook and Instagram, Christmas cards kept all your friends and family updated on your life.

When Dieppe's Simon Richard laces up his skates and takes the ice for Canada’s blind hockey team, he hopes more countries will be inspired to invest in the sport. 

The Sitansisk St. Mary’s First Nation Christmas parade started a few years ago as something for the community to enjoy while following Covid restrictions. Now an annual event, it’s grown into something so much bigger than ever imagined.

Enjoy a scroll through some beautiful photos from around New Brunswick, submitted by you.

River Valley Sun’s sister publication highlights local country music duo

The Martin Boys from Woodstock are front and centre in the latest issue of agelessNB.

Macauley and Micah Martin discuss writing songs, opening doors, and getting noticed with Theresa Blackburn. The country duo is working hard to get their name and music out there. You can find their work on Spotify and other streaming services.

Also inside this issue, Brigitte Marsden visits with famous New Brunswick jockey Ron Turcotte; you can read about Martha and Scotty Bell’s success with all things Christmas, thanks to a story by Judy Cole-Underhill, and Barb Somerville introduces us to Judy and Randy Lutes who volunteer in Juniper, with work that gets them noticed beyond their community.

The magazine also has a walk through some very decked-out homes thanks to Andrea Bell and family members who go ‘Christmas Crazy’ each year. Sandra Hanson tells us about the house that built her, we meet theatre scene mover and shaker Jean-Michel Chiche, and we get a glimpse of some beautiful Victorian Splendour in Fredericton. As always, Jim gives you his take on life with ‘My Thoughts Exactly.’

Pick up your copy at these fine retail locations:

Scott’s Independent Grocer, Perth-Andover

Mark’s the Spot, Beechwood

Meg’s Convenience, Glassville

B & K Convenience, Juniper

Carleton Co-op, Florenceville

Irving MainWay, Florenceville

On The Run Esso, Florenceville

Hunter Brothers Farm, Florenceville (seasonal)

Dun’Roamin’ Stray and Rescue, Burnam Road (all proceeds from sales go to Dun’Roamin)

Valu Foods, Centreville

Coldstream Convenience, Coldstream

Valu Foods, Hartland

Courtyard Freshmart, Hartland

Fen’s, Waterville, near Covered Bridge Chips

Kojax PetroCan, near Woodstock

Murray’s Irving, Gallop Court, Woodstock

Shoppers Drug Mart, Woodstock

Medicine Shoppe, Woodstock

Riverside Court Retirement Residence Gift Shop, Woodstock

Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy, Woodstock

Woodstock Farm Market, Woodstock

Hilltop Farm Market, Connell Street, Woodstock

Buntings Grocery, Elm Street, Woodstock

The Corner Store, Broadway Street, Woodstock

Maliseet Fuels I, Woodstock First Nation

Maliseet Fuels II, off the Trans Canada Highway, Woodstock First Nation

Murray’s Irving, Beardsley Road, near Woodstock

Debec General Store, Debec

Cumming’s Brothers Irving, Meductic

Esso (BVD Holdings), Johnson Settlement

Russell’s Place, Canterbury

Ryan’s Pharmacy, Nackawic

Nackawic Irving, Nackawic

Black’s Grocery and Cafe, Harvey

Mactaquac Ultramar, Bright, near Mactaquac

Shoppers Drug Mart, Prospect Street, Fredericton

Bowman’s Pharmasave, Regent Street, Fredericton

Lawton’s Drugs, Brookside Mall, Fredericton

Lawton’s Drugs, Regent Mall, Fredericton

Westminster Bookmark, King Street, Fredericton

Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Gift Shop, Fredericton

Shoppers Drug Mart, Oromocto

The post ageless New Brunswick magazine: The Martin Boys first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Paper crowdfunding to cover Special Olympian at Winter Games in Calgary

In celebration of the River Valley Sun’s fifth anniversary in the new year, the newspaper is crowdfunding to cover a special event 4,000 km away. 

Woodstock Special Olympian Patti Connors is going to the Special Olympics Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta, in Feb. 2024. The paper wants to follow Connors and document her at these games.

“Something like this isn’t in our small budget, but we knew it was important not to let that stop us,” said River Valley Sun co-owner Theresa Blackburn. 

“Patti is the most decorated Special Olympian in Canada, and she’s ours,” Blackburn added. “She’s 58 years old, and as she approaches her senior years, no one knows how many more games Patti has in her, so we want to be there to document these ones.”

The games run from Feb. 27 to March 2. More than 4,000 athletes are expected to attend, including a team of six from Woodstock. 

“We’ll have three snowshoers and three floor hockey players participating,” confirmed Special Olympics Western Valley Regional Coordinator Debbi Graham. 

Blackburn is calling on her community to help her paper get to Calgary. 

“We want to give some well-deserved attention to Patti is closing in on 150 medals, with 87 gold to her credit so far. The numbers are staggering.”

Blackburn estimates it will cost approximately $3,000 for the flight, hotel, and car rental. 

If you or your business is interested in sponsoring the River Valley Sun’s Special Olympics Winter Games coverage in Calgary, you can email Theresa Blackburn at [email protected]

The post River Valley Sun to document Patti Connors games adventure first appeared on River Valley Sun.

New Brunswick student skills are on a steep decline, according to the latest assessments by PISA, the Program for International Student Assessment.

What began as a lark by two former classmates at Moncton High School has turned into a 62-year-old Christmas tradition.

Mike Corey of New Maryland beat Martha Stewart and Zac Efron to win an Emmy for outstanding daytime host of the Weather Channel’s show, Uncharted Adventure.

Most services are closed over Christmas and Boxing Day

Eric Scouten is on a mission to bring flavour and social acceptance to the teetotalling crowd.

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The Codiac detachment of the RCMP says a mother abducted her seven-year-son from a Moncton hotel without consent, it’s turning to the public for help in finding the missing boy.

The RCMP issued a news release Friday afternoon stating Andres Fernando Barbosa Rincon, 7, was last seen Wednesday at a hotel on Main Street in Moncton. 

“At approximately 2:15 p.m., he was taken from the hotel, without consent, by his mother 31-year-old Raquel Rincon Ruiz,” the release said.

“Police and Andres' family are concerned for his well-being.”

The Mounties reported the mother’s stated intention is to travel to the United States with the missing boy.

Andres is about four feet (122 centimetres) tall, weighs about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), and has black hair and brown eyes.

“He has a mole on the right side of his chin and another between his eyes,” the release stated.

“No clothing description is available at this time. He speaks Spanish and limited French.”

Raquel Rincon Ruiz is about five feet (152 cm) tall, weighing about 120 pounds (54 kg), with black hair and brown eyes. 

She speaks Spanish, the RCMP said, and no vehicle or clothing description was available.

“At this time, the incident does not meet the criteria to issue an AMBER Alert message,” the release said.

“An AMBER Alert message will be issued should there be a need.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either mother or son is urged to contact the Codiac RCMP at 506-857-2400.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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Warning: This story includes disturbing and graphic descriptions of sexual abuse of a young child.

A Lincoln man’s egregious sexual abuse of his young son over four years merited a lengthy prison term, a judge ruled Friday, noting there was a “profound” breach of trust.

The 28-year-old offender appeared before Fredericton provincial court Judge Cameron Gunn by video from a provincial jail Friday to learn what his sentence would be for sexually abusing his son, beginning when the child was only two years old.

The prisoner previously admitted to sexual touching, invitation to sexual touching, making child pornography and possessing that same pornography, which all occurred between July 26, 2019, and Aug. 13, 2023.

The man had also been charged with related counts of incest and sexual assault, but the Crown withdrew those charges - though the conduct to which they referred were captured in the facts relayed on the others.

There’s a court-ordered publication ban protecting the identity of the young victim, and given the relationship between the boy and the offender, the Fredericton Independent is omitting the latter’s name to comply with the order.

Earlier this week, court heard the abuse came to light this summer when the boy, then six years old, told his mother of a “pee in the mouth” game he played with his father.

The man then confessed to the boy’s mother - and later to the RCMP - that he subjected his son to an unimaginable array of abuse, starting with the urination; then oral sex, first getting the toddler to serve him and then taking the child’s penis into his mouth; and repeated anal penetration with his penis.

Crown prosecutor Karen Lee argued for a prison term of 14 years, while defence lawyer Edward Derrah said a 10-year sentence would fulfil the need to denounce the conduct and to deter the offender and others.

Gunn ultimately decided a 14-year prison sentence was necessary in the case.

Egregious aggravating factors

Citing a 2020 Supreme Court of Canada decision - R v. Friesen - the judge said there’s been a shift in philosophy when it comes to sentencing offenders for sex crimes.

“The court specifically calls for an increase in sentencing,” Gunn said, especially when it comes to offences against children.

He said the court had to address both the mitigating factors in the case but to balance them with the serious aggravating factors as well.

Among the elements in the offender’s favour, the judge said, were his guilty pleas and expressions of remorse.

But the aggravating factors were quite dire, he said, referring to the age of the child, the abuse of parental trust, the duration of the sexual abuse and the far more serious nature of the violations of the boy’s sexual integrity.

Court heard previously the offender had estimated he’d engaged in more than 50 but fewer than 100 separate sexual acts with the young son over four years.

“The abuse of trust here is profound… It was [the offender’s] primary and principal responsibility to protect [the victim],” the judge said.

“Each instance shows a further and continued choice… It constitutes a significant violation.”

Also aggravating was the decision to photograph the boy in a sexual manner. Court heard police found numerous images of the child’s anal area, with the buttocks spread apart by the father in some photos and in others, the boy had been directed to spread them himself.

Furthermore, the boy’s face was visible in many of the images, Gunn said.

“The images here were taken by a father of a son,” he said.

While no evidence was presented to the court during sentencing on likelihood the accused would reoffend, the judge said, he deemed it would be quite high.

It’s been well established that sexual abuse of children to this extent tends not to be isolated, Gunn said, and the offender himself has admitted to having a long-standing sexual attraction to children.

Court also heard the boy’s mother knew of her husband’s pedophilic inclinations, and she had asked him if he would ever act on them toward their child.

He told her he would never do so, but that turned out, clearly, not to be the case.

The judge said Friday the court also had to consider the impacts of the offender’s crimes on his victims - the boy, and by extension, his wife - in crafting an appropriate sentence.

While there was no documentation on the future effects of the abuse, Gunn said, courts know that such offences invariably have long-lasting psychological effects that interfere with emotional well-being and the ability to form future relationships.

“Neither will ever be completely free of the consequences,” he said, referring to the boy and his mother.

The offender’s spouse was present in court for the sentencing decision Friday, and Gunn acknowledged that while there are challenges and trauma ahead for her and her son, he noted it also takes “tremendous strength” for a family to survive such abuse and violations of trust.

Gunn imposed a 10-year prison term for the sexual-touching offences, to run concurrently to one another, and a further four-year term for the child-pornography crimes, for a total of 14 years.

However, he noted the offender served 130 days on remand, and he applied the customary 1½-to-one remand credit for that time, for a total of 195 days.

That means the remaining sentence to be served is 13 years and 5½ months.

Ancillary orders imposed as well

During that period, the judge said, the offender is prohibited from any contact with his son or the boy’s mother.

Gunn also imposed orders requiring him to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in a criminal database, prohibiting him from possessing firearms and other weapons for 10 years following his sentence, and requiring him to register as a sex offender for 20 years after serving his sentence.

The judge issued an order under Section 161 of the Criminal Code of Canada barring the offender from attending public places where children under the age of 16 can be expected to be present, such as schools, daycares, pools or playgrounds; to stay at least two kilometres away from his son; to have no unsupervised contact with children; and to refrain from any employment of volunteer work that could place him in a position of trust or authority over kids.

The court also ordered a laptop computer and cellphone seized by police to be forfeited to the Crown for destruction.

Gunn’s final words during Friday’s proceedings were made directly to the offender.

“You’ve got a long road ahead of you,” the judge told him, noting that rehabilitation isn’t impossible.

“What you do here, from now on, is your choice.”

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A deadline looms Friday for American Iron and Metal to respond to the findings of a fire at its Saint John scrapyard, a response the province sought before a decision on whether to revoke the yard's licence to operate.

The City of Fredericton opened a new skating track at Officers' Square Friday, marking a milestone in the ongoing renovations at the downtown square, which generated controversy among some in the community.

Little has changed at the family restaurant over the years, from the comfort food menu to the retro neon signage out front. Many of the staff have been working there for decades.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has cleared its first hurdle in a lawsuit against New Brunswick and its new gender-identity policy.

Four months after he was fired by UNI Financial Cooperation, former CEO Robert Moreau is filing a lawsuit claiming wrongful dismissal.

Canadian authors Angela Misri and Sam Wiebe stop by The Next Chapter with their mystery recommendations for holiday reading.

Police have determined the death of a patient waiting for care at the Fredericton hospital's emergency department last year did not involve any criminality.

After a wind and rain storm on Monday knocked out power for 129,000 people, crews are still continuing restoration efforts on Friday to bring the over 14,000 N.B. Power customers back online.

Richmond Corner open house showcases positive discussion between police leadership and community they serve

Residents are the police officers’ “eyes and ears” in their respective communities, said Sgt. Dan Sharpe, commanding officer of the Western Valley RCMP Region, during an open house at the Richmond Community Centre on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

“Report what you see,” Sharpe told the approximately 60 residents on hand for the positive open discussion focused on ways to mitigate crime in their area.

Sharpe said police forces rely heavily on public information.

“We’re an intelligence-driven organization,” he said.

RCMP members, Cpl James Gallant, Cpl. Kalvin Hanscomb and Cst. Carson Kennedy joined Sharp for the public meeting.

Others at the head table included Richmond Corner residents Chris Foster, who served as host, and Gerald Williams. Woodstock councillors Mike Martin, whose Ward 1 includes Richmond Corner, and Will Belyea, whose Ward 2 borders the community,

Foster described the Richmond Corner meeting as an extension of the police open house on Dec. 11 hosted by Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, featuring Sharpe and Woodstock Police Force Chief Gary Forward.

In response to the large attendance of Ward 1 residents at the Dec 11 meeting, Foster explained Sharpe agreed to participate in a follow-up meeting with the concerned residents.

The RCMP provides police coverage in Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5, while the Woodstock Police Force handles policing in Ward 4, the former Woodstock town boundaries.

Foster and several fellow Richmond Corner and surrounding area residents took the first steps to establish a Neighbourhood Watch program. He explained residents expressed concern about the level of petty crime in the community.

“Everyone can rattle off something amiss on their property or a neighbour’s property,” he said.

Sharpe said the force supports the Neighbourhood Watch initiative but stressed such programs are “community-led.” He explained the RCMP would provide information and guidance.

Sharpe said the RCMP would provide an officer to work as a liaison with the group, while the group should choose watch captains to compile information and stats to report to the police.

He said anyone can report suspicious activity or potential crimes in progress, noting they should call 911 in an emergency or 506-325-3000 in a non-emergency. People can also provide information on the RCMP-New Brunswick website.

Sharpe also emphasized the importance of providing as detailed information as possible, noting descriptions of what suspects are wearing, the colour, model and licence plate of vehicles and the time and place to help police investigate officers.

He explained that, for example, a description of the car or even the suspect’s clothes could provide “just enough” probable cause to stop or search a vehicle.

Sharpe added no detail is too small, noting it could be the piece police need to combine with other information to lay charges.

While acknowledging Richmond Corner residents’ concern about the level of crime in their area, Sharpe said his detachment’s call records don’t reflect the area’s crime rates. He explained police use those records to determine a response.

“If I see volumes going up, I will direct our officers accordingly,” he said.

While most of the evening’s discussion remained positive, a few residents complained about difficulties reaching the RCMP and slow or no response.

Sharpe gathered the information and promised to follow up.

He explained any report to the RCMP is registered and provided a file number. He urged anyone making a report to get the file number, which would help follow up later.

The evening’s discussion included ways residents could better protect themselves and their property.

Sharpe explained most thefts or damage are crimes of opportunity. He explained the importance of good lights illuminating the yard and not making it easy for potential criminals to see the house is empty.

He also suggested residents be wary of providing too much information on social media, noting that would-be criminals take note of people’s travel plans or other details, making their property an easy target.

Cpl. Gallant said installing cameras on your property can provide vital information for investigators.

“Most cameras are not expensive and well worth the investment,” he said.

He also suggested the placement of Apple Air Tags on equipment can show the location of stolen property.

Gallant urged everyone to take photos of serial numbers or uniquely distinguishable markings on their property to make it easy to claim if recovered by police.

He noted the police often recover equipment, tools or other items, but it is almost impossible to identify the owner.

Foster said the efforts to finalize the formation of a Neighbourhood Watch will begin in January.

During the meeting, he said the Facebook page set up to track suspicious activity has garnered significant interest but has become a means for community discussion.

While he welcomes the open discussion, he said they need a site dedicated only to reports of questionable or potentially criminal activities in the area. 

A common opinion throughout the open house centred on the importance of knowing your neighbours.

Sharpe agreed, saying vetting those on the watch group is crucial.

Coun. Martin praised the meeting and the efforts of police and his constituents to work together to tackle crime. He and Coun. Belyea agreed their constituents want police to be visible in their communities.

Sharpe said police visibility is a common concern in most communities. He praised the Richmond Corner meetings, saying he hopes to hold similar meetings in other communities, such as Canterbury, Hartland, or elsewhere.

The post Battling crime requires teamwork between police and residents, says Western District RCMP CO first appeared on River Valley Sun.

RCMP seize guns, drugs, and stolen property during search of residence

The RCMP arrested a 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman from Wapske, a rural community south of Plaster Rock, following a seizure of drugs and firearms in the community.

In a statement released Dec. 19, the RCMP said Western Valley Region and Perth-Andover detachment RCMP members executed a search warrant of a residence on Route 390 in Wapske at 8 a.m. Dec. 12.

Police explained the search was part of an ongoing investigation.

RCMP reported that during the search, police seized firearms, quantities of what police believe to be methamphetamine and hydromorphone, and stolen property.

The RCMP arrested a 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman at the scene.

The police released the woman after scheduling her to attend Woodstock provincial court on March 26, 2024.

On Dec. 13, Patrick Tatlock attended Woodstock provincial court to face several charges, including two counts of possession of a weapon contrary to an order, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN, and unsafe storage of firearms.

The court remanded Tatlock into custody, with a scheduled return to court on Jan. 2.

The investigation is ongoing.

The post Police arrest Wapske man and woman first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Moncton's wastewater utility will consider a call by city councillors for major changes to address a foul smell in the city's north end.

Whether you're getting on a plane to visit extended family, or getting ready to host a houseful of people, there are steps you can take to help ensure you're spreading cheer this holiday season and not COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

A group known as the Festive Balls has been decorating trees around Fredericton in hopes of spreading joy.

In a day of embracing tradition and new beginnings, families in Listuguj, Que., gathered to have their babies meet for the first time.

Vacationers expecting the warm, sunny climate of the Bahamas are instead disembarking in Saint John ... in December.

Staff with Parks New Brunswick are putting in long hours to clear trails after a storm on Monday knocked over an estimated 1,500 trees at Mactaquac Park near Fredericton.

CBC Books has rounded up all our best books of 2023 lists in one handy place! Check out the top Canadian fiction, nonfiction, poetry, comics and kids books of the year.

In a possible first for Eastern Canada, the Meraviglia was diverted because of bad weather, leaving its 3,000 passengers and 1,500 crew to the Port City experience.

WPF offers tips to stay safe against sketchy transactions

Woodstock Police Force reported its officers responded to an incident Tuesday night, Dec. 19, where an individual attempted to use $800 in counterfeit Canadian currency for a computer purchase on Facebook Marketplace. 

“As we approach the holiday season, it’s crucial to stay vigilant when buying or selling items online,” the WPF said in a statement. 

The police offered several tips to avoid falling victim to scams and quickly recognize counterfeit currency:

Fact Check: Whether you’re the buyer or seller, conduct a quick fact check on potential transaction partners. Look out for fake profiles and offers. For guidance on spotting fake Facebook accounts, check out: 6 Checks to Spot Fake Facebook Profile and People (malwarefox.com)

Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of offers that raise red flags, and don’t rush into transactions without proper verification.

Secure Transactions: Whenever possible, use secure payment methods such as PayPal or other traceable options. Avoid cash transactions, especially for high-value items.

“Let’s work together to create a safe and secure online environment, the WPF stated in its release. “Report any suspicious activity to The Woodstock Police, and remember, your safety comes first!”

The post Woodstock police warn against counterfeit cash and online scams first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Family cat dies after being shot by pellet gun

The Woodstock Police Department is cautioning all pet owners, urging them to exercise care when allowing their small animals outside.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, at around 2 p.m., a tragic incident occurred involving a pet cat that typically roamed in the vicinity of Henry Street / Ralph Street / Tait Street / South Ave and Glen Ave. in Woodstock, the police explained in a statement issued Dec. 20 The indoor/outdoor cat was let outside but did not return home when called, displaying unusual behaviour as the animal typically stays close to home.

The statement said the concerned owners checked security cameras and observed the cat returning several hours later. The owners subsequently searched the property and located the cat hiding, clearly in distress.

The family immediately transported the cat to a veterinary clinic, where it underwent emergency surgery. Tragically, the cat did not survive the injuries sustained during the incident.

Upon examination, veterinary staff discovered a single Air Gun pellet inside the cat, determined to be the cause of its untimely demise.

The Woodstock Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community and its beloved pets,” police officials said.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Woodstock Police Force at (506) 325-4601, referencing file #2023-3216. Information can also be sent anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by using the secure P3 Mobile App, or through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca

Police ask everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.

The post Woodstock police issue important notice to pet owners first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A man who was once a foster child in the care of Donnie Snook, a former Saint John city councillor and a notorious sex offender, is suing the New Brunswick government for negligence.

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A Fredericton man is due in court in March to answer to an allegation involving child pornography, the RCMP reports.

In a news release issued Thursday, the RCMP reported that Drake Brayall, 26, is slated to appear in Fredericton provincial court March 26 to answer to a count of possessing child pornography.

The charge arises as a result of an investigation that’s been going on since last year, the national police force said.

“The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP's internet child exploitation (ICE) unit, began in 2022, following information received from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre,” the release said.

“On April 5, 2023, members of the RCMP ICE Unit, along with members of the Fredericton Police Force and the RCMP's digital forensic services, executed a search warrant at a residence in Fredericton as part of the investigation.”

It said a 26-year-old man - now identified as Brayall - was arrested at that residence.

Officers seized several electronic devices, the RCMP reported, and the suspect was released pending a future court appearance.

The RCMP charged Brayall on Tuesday with the child-porn charge, the release said.

The New Brunswick RCMP's ICE unit is comprised of Mounties, and officers from the Saint John and Kennebecasis Regional police forces.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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A Newcastle Creek woman and a Fredericton man facing serious drug-trafficking and firearms charges opted Thursday to have their trial at a superior level of court.

Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 40, of Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek near Minto, and Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, of Veterans Drive in Fredericton, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from custodial facilities Thursday to answer to joint charges involving hard drugs and weapons.

They’re accused of June 21 counts of possessing crystal meth, cocaine and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence or authorization; possessing unloaded prohibited firearms (two other sawed-off shotguns) with readily accessible ammunition; possessing seven firearms for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; possessing non-restricted firearms without a licence; and storing those seven firearms improperly.

Fredericton lawyer Emily Cochrane appeared in court Thursday as an agent for T.J. Burke, Blyth’s defence counsel, and Brian Munro, who represents Hood.

She said both defendants were electing to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench by judge alone, without a jury, on those drug and firearms allegations.

Judge Scott Brittain referred the files to the Court of King’s Bench for its Feb. 1 motions day to schedule the pair’s trial, and he remanded them again.

Hood also faces a solo charge of possessing firearms in violation of a court-ordered prohibition against doing so, also alleged to have occurred June 21.

Cochrane said she hadn’t received instructions from Munro on that count, so Brittain set it over to Jan. 4 for election of mode of trial.

The drug and weapons charges arose after the RCMP executed a search warrant June 21 at Blyth’s home in Newcastle Creek, where the two defendants were arrested.

But initially, when Blyth was brought to court following her arrest, she was charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 28, 2022, death of Brandon Patrick Donelan. 

Hood was charged in early October with the same murder.

Blyth’s murder case was revised to charge her jointly with Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac. When the murder count was laid against Hood this fall, he charged jointly with a fourth suspect, Matthew David LeBlanc, 29, also of Fredericton.

Blyth and McIsaac’s jury trial on the murder charge is scheduled for spring 2025.

Hood and LeBlanc are scheduled to go through a preliminary inquiry on the murder allegation April 22-26, 2024.

Such proceedings are held in provincial court to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set more serious cases over for trial at the higher level of court.

However, in the Blyth/McIsaac murder prosecution, the Crown filed a preferred indictment, allowing the case to skip the preliminary phase and proceed directly to trial. It’s expected the same tactic will be taken with the Hood/LeBlanc case as well.

Donelan, 27, was reported as missing to the RCMP on Jan. 30, 2022, but an extensive search on the ground and from the air didn’t yield any results in the investigation at first.

However, officers found his body weeks later along a snowmobile trail in the Grand Lake area March 31, 2022.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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One of the two Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation teenagers accused in an attempted-robbery prosecution has admitted to numerous crimes related to a car crash at a downtown business this fall..

Two Bilijk boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested the morning of Oct. 19 after a stolen Mercedes crashed into the glass doors of the Irving gas station and Circle K convenience store.

Police reported they were investigating the incident as an attempted robbery.

The teenagers can’t be named as the Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits identifying underage defendants.

The 15-year-old suspect, represented by defence lawyer Marine Polo, appeared in Fredericton youth court by telephone from the youth jail in Miramichi on Wednesday afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a stolen 2018 Mercedes C300, masking his face during the crime, assault with a weapon (the Mercedes), mischief causing damage to the gas station and breach of a youth probation order.

Judge Mary Jane Richards scheduled his sentencing hearing for Feb. 2, and she remanded the youth again until that time.

An outstanding count of dangerous driving related to the events of Oct. 19 was reserved until sentencing, and it’s expected the Crown will withdraw that charge at that time.

The 14-year-old boy charged in the case is free on conditions.

He’s set to return to youth court Jan. 3 to enter pleas to the joint charges of attempted robbery, possession of the stolen car and having his face masked.

The younger defendant also faces related counts of indictable assault, threats and violation of the conditions of a police undertaking.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Around 25,000 N.B. Power customers were still without electricity on Thursday morning, after Monday's storm knocked out power for 129,000.

N.B. Power blames trees being pushed onto power lines by high winds for the severity of outages this week.