Published Saturday August 23rd, 2008
Times Transcript
By
CANADAEAST NEWS SERVICE
FREDERICTON - A Kingsclear First Nation man who admitted yesterday to attacking family members will be sentenced in his community in a rare "sentencing circle."
Anthony Gerald Atwin pleaded guilty to two counts of summary assault, two counts of mischief causing damage to property, one count of uttering threats and one count of assault with a weapon.
All offences occurred April 11.
"All the victims are family members," Crown prosecutor Cameron Gunn told the court.
An arrangement to hold a special "sentencing circle" hearing for the First Nations man in his own community had apparently been made before the court called his case.
Gunn said the victims had agreed to the sentencing circle, so the Crown had no objection.
Judge Graydon Nicholas asked a probation officer to ensure preparations were made at a facility in Kingsclear First Nation be prepared to accommodate the proceedings, which he said have to be recorded just as they are in the courtroom.
The sentencing-circle proceedings will have to be open, just as the court is, Nicholas said.
In addition to the victims, the judge said, the ceremony should also include an elder from the First Nations community.
A sentencing circle is a rarely used method of sentencing in criminal matters involving First Nations defendants.
The decision on sentencing is still left up to a judge, but there is more direct input from the First Nations community.