By David Thielen
Derek Danial Baker received a 60-day jail sentence and 12 months probation at the Ponoka Provincial Court on Friday, July 24, when he pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm and breach of conditions. He was credited with 30 days towards that sentence because of the time he has spent in custody prior to trial. It addition, he is banned from possession of any firearms during his probation period, and prohibited from having any contact, either direct or indirect, with the victim, except through legal counsel.
Prior to sentencing the defence lawyer told the court that the assault occurred when both the victim and assailant attended the Ponoka Emergency Room while coming down from a meth high, and that because of their condition were in a particularly volatile state. “Baker is motivated to start treatment for his drug problem, but perhaps probation would provide even more motivation,” said defence counsel.
Jail sentence for beating
Corry Vera Greene receive a 45 day jail sentence for beating a man with her casted hand, and then using a cane to beat him to unconsciousness.
On July 13, RCMP had been called to an unrelated complaint in Ponoka, where they found a male that had significant injuries on his right side. The victim told police that he had been assaulted by Corry Vera Greene the day before sometime between noon and 1 p.m. They had been at the walking bridge near the Scout Hall and she had begun to hit him in the face with her hand which was in a cast. She then used a cane to strike him in the head to the point where he lost conscious.
In speaking to sentencing, crown prosecutor said that Corry Vera Greene did have a record and it was mostly for alcohol related offences, and that this was the her first crime with significant violence.
She received 12 days credit for pre-trial custody, and was ordered to provide a DNA sample.
Bail denied for erratic driver
Derek Wesley Lozynsky had his bail application denied and his charges set over one week for election and plea.
In speaking against Lozynsky's release, the crown prosecutor stated that at approximately 9:15 on June 16, a vehicle was reported to police driving south on Highway 2 in an erratic manner. The vehicle was reported to have passed the complainant at a speed of about 130 km/h and the complainant watched the vehicle swerve from lane to lane, and almost side swiped a semi.
Ponoka RCMP were able to observe the same vehicle drift from lane to lane. A provincial sheriff was able to follow the vehicle north on Range Road 261, and watched it pass through a construction zone before the person turned southbound into a farmer's field.
The sheriff made a U-turn and activated his emergency lights and when the vehicle stopped a man wearing red track pants and a black t-shirt left the vehicle and the sheriff pursued on foot.
When the vehicle was queried through CPIC, it was shown to have been stolen out of Lacombe. In addition, Lozynsky had switched the plates on the vehicle.
The crown then listed a series of previous offences and breaches going back several years.
In speaking for bail for the Lozynsky, the defence agreed with the facts as set out by the prosecutor, but pointed out that a full two weeks before the offences, Lozynsky had applied for a bed at the Lander Treatment Centre in Claresholm, Alberta, and that they had a letter from the centre stating that Lozynsky would have a bed within a week of being released. So the counsel suggested that Lozynsky be released on bail with some very tough conditions such as not being in any vehicle, that because he would be living in Red Deer, either report to the Ponoka RCMP by phone, or the Red Deer RCMP in person but his requests were denied.
Intoxicated driver receives big fine
John Maceachern, received a $2,000 fine plus a Victim Surcharge of $600 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
On June 29 at 3:45 p.m., a provincial sheriff observed a red Ford truck northbound on Highway 2 and swerving all over the road. The sheriff stopped the vehicle and contacted the RCMP who attended and issued a roadside demand. When he failed the demand, Maceachern was taken to the detachment where his first breathalyzer reading was .320 and his second reading was still .320, four times the legal limit.
In sentencing the judge pointed out that any readings over twice the legal limit must be taken as aggravated and requires a higher penalty. However, he did credit Maceachern with being cooperative when first arrested, and for pleading guilty at the first available opportunity.
Sleeping in car ends in suspension
Kent Douglas Liddle received a fine and a one year driving suspension for sleeping in his car while impaired.
Originally charged with impaired driving and driving while over the legal limit, Liddle pleaded guilty to the lesser of the two, but included charge of care and control of a vehicle while impaired.