CKRZ NEWS
NOV 22, 2006
Original New Story posted at Cape Breton Post
Justice officials are examining the possibility of having a 29-year-old Cape Breton man face a native community sentencing circle in connection with a brutal assault on his former girlfriend.
Noel Joseph Christmas of Membertou pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, assault, carrying a weapon dangerous to public peace, and breaching a previous court order by having contact with his former partner.
A Sydney woman was hospitalized in September with a host of injuries sustained after she was attacked by Christmas inside here apartment. Although released from hospital, the woman continues her recovery.
Both Crown and defence lawyers along with an official from the Mi’kmaq Justice Institute are now considering having Christmas face the elders of his community in a native sentencing circle. The use of such sentencing options is available for native offenders but the final outcome still must receive approval from the provincial court judge in charge of the case.
(BN) (Cape Breton Post)