A Huntsville man was in court recently to answer for stealing liquor, skipping out on his taxi bill, and other offences.
Robert Merkel, 36, pled guilty to fraud, theft, and failing to attend court in a court appearance last month.
Court heard that on July 7, 2022, Merkel failed to pay for a $60 cab ride. The police were called and he was given 24 hours to pay but he did not.
On July 11, 2022, police were called to the Huntsville LCBO. Staff said Merkel entered the store and stuck two bottles of absinthe, valued at $100, down his pants before attempting to leave the store without paying.
Merkel racked up another charge on July 19, 2022, when he failed to attend court.
He was given a suspended sentence and two months of probation.
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Did Merkel eventually pay the cab fare, or was he let off easy on that, too?
I had to read this story more than once to be sure it said what I thought it said.
Someone gets a suspended sentence and probation for two charges of fraud and not showing up in court. No jail time. Just a slap on the wrist and “naughty naughty” you shouldn’t do that verdict.
Our court system is a joke. Hardly a deterrent to abide by the law.
Unfortunately this isn’t a one off. Young people and adults know they can get away with just about anything. Where are the consequences for actions.
Ridiculous.
Deterrent ? More like an encouragement to continue his criminal tendencies. Expecting to see his name soon in this publication !