Two individuals convicted for the 2022 assault of a woman at a location on the upper reaches of Sechelt’s Dusty Road were to be sentenced in provincial court in Sechelt Dec. 12, but neither case was concluded.
Natalie Joe, 49, appeared before Judge Joanne Challenger with her lawyer, asking for a conditional discharge coupled with probation for her involvement in the incident. Crown counsel Joseph Zondervan opposed that request, stating a jail or conditional sentence of up to two years was more appropriate given the seriousness of Joe’s actions.
Joe was found guilty of assault Oct. 11 after a two-day trial in July. It was found she punched the victim in the face and was aware of but did not directly participate in the further attacks, which involved a knife and a piece of pipe used as a weapon.
The judge adjourned the proceedings to allow Joe to arrange for and provide proof of actions to address her trauma and substance abuse issues, which were identified as potential mitigating factors to be considered in her sentencing. A new date, likely in 2025 for her sentencing is scheduled to be set on Dec. 17.
Defence lawyer, Samantha Purton, outlined that Joe had completed addictions treatment in 2003 after which she remained sober for about five years, then relapsed. Purton said her client was taking steps to address her issues but had not re-entered counselling or treatment since the offence occurred.
Challenger noted that Joe’s pre-sentencing report did not reflect a willingness to enter any form of treatment, which the judge identified as critical to consideration of a discharge or a sentence to be served in the community.
Others charged
Co-accused Olivia Earhart did not attend court for her scheduled sentencing. Her lawyer, Donna Turko, told the court she had not been able to contact her client, but that she had spoken with family members of Earhart who were attempting to arrange addictions treatment for her.
Challenger ordered a warrant be issued for Earhart, who was convicted of possession of and assault with a weapon and use of an imitation firearm in committing an indictable offence. On Oct. 11, Challenger found Earhart guilty of striking the victim with a pipe.
Sentencing for Chrispher Fawkes, who was found guilty of assault with a weapon in relation to the beating is slated for March 2025, according to Zondervan.
Earlier this year, Jason Canton pleaded guilty to involvement in the incident and received a sentence of six months. He served no additional time in jail after his sentencing as he was credited for the time he was held in custody prior to his conviction.
