A Port Hardy man was sentenced to 60 days behind bars to contemplate his convictions on several criminal charges including assault, disturbing the peace, public drunkenness and breach of probation.
Earnest Joseph, 42, was in Port Hardy provincial court last week to answer charges stemming from an incident late last year when he was fighting outside the Bargain Store, a scrap that attracted a crowd of onlookers .
Then, on Dec. 21, Joseph caused a noise disturbance at the 9200 Granville St. apartment complex.
When the manager complained, Joseph threatened her with violence when he said he would “get her,” court heard.
To add to his woes, police said he resisted them when they arrived on scene.
Finally, on Feb. 16, he was spotted by police having an agitated argument with a woman.
On each occasion, Joseph admitted he was intoxicated and in breach of probation when he consumed alcohol in defiance of a court order, Justice Brian Klaver heard.
Police finally took Joseph into custody Mar 13.
Joseph’s counsel asked for leniency from the court when he said Joseph has six children, a Grade 10 education, is unemployed and has an alcohol problem.
Following Crown prosecutor Leslie Fillingham’s recommendations, Klaver sentenced Joseph to time in jail and six months probation. Joseph was also ordered to attend substance abuse counselling.
After passing down the sentence, the judge offered some words to Joseph.
“If you succeed in giving up alcohol, you’ll feel better in the morning, and you’ll be surprised how much money you have at the end of the day,” Klaver said.
Joseph will have to serve only 13 days behind bars because of time served while awaiting trial.
