PICTOU
A Pictou man who failed to pay the $50 to obtain a helper’s licence to lobster fish is now on the hook for $1,000.
Brandon MacDonald, 27, spent a night in jail after being arrested on a warrant Tuesday for failing to make a court appearance in July 2017. He was originally charged on June 22, 2016, with not having a helper’s licence.
The Crown said when fisheries officers questioned MacDonald in 2016 after the boat he was working on unloaded its lobster catch for the day, he told them his licence was home. However, a quick online check by officers determined that he didn't hold such a licence. The Crown said MacDonald did purchase a licence later the same day, but the charge had already been laid.
He made his first court appearance on the charge in April 24, 2017, when he asked the judge for an adjournment so he could seek legal advice on the charge. A second court date was set for July 10, 2017, but MacDonald failed to show up at Pictou provincial court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
MacDonald pleaded guilty Wednesday to the charges of failing to obtain a licence and failing to appear in court and a joint recommendation was put forth by the Crown and defence for a $1,000 fine for the licence offence.
In regard to the failing to appear in court charge, the Crown said considering that MacDonald spent his first night in jail Tuesday, it would serve as a far greater penalty to him than a small fine.
Judge Del Atwood sent a message to MacDonald and others listening in provincial court that court papers compelling someone to return for their next court date are not just an invitation, but court orders that must be obeyed. He said the maximum sentence for failing to appear in court on a designated date is six months in jail or a $5,000 fine.
