A Muskoka man found himself back in jail after a disturbing incident in downtown Huntsville.
Appearing recently in a Bracebridge courtroom, Thomas Fletcher, 33, pled guilty to breach of probation and mischief in relation to a May 17, 2023 incident.
Court heard that on that day at roughly 8:45 pm the Huntsville OPP received numerous phone calls about a disturbance downtown. The police attended Main Street East and were informed that Fletcher had been attempting to enter homes and cars. He had then taken off his clothes and was screaming at people on the main street. He then jumped on the hood of a car and broke the handle off of another vehicle.
Fletcher was on probation at the time of the incident. Court heard he has a criminal record, including an incident in 2016, wherein he stole a police cruiser and nearly hit the officer with their own vehicle.
Fletcher admitted to substance abuse issues and said he would check himself into rehab.
“I’ve embarrassed myself quite a bit in these past few weeks,” he told the court.
Justice Robert Gattrell said Fletcher was clearly out of control and the victims must have been terrified.
Fletcher was sentenced to 42 days served in pre-trial custody and to pay $764 in restitution.
“We’ll be looking at a much more significant sentence if the behaviour continues,” cautioned Gattrell.
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Ah yes, the heartless old guy that wants to jail anyone who makes a mistake.
The judge’s reasoning is simple. No one was hurt. The guy will pay for the damages he caused. The guy wants to clean up his life, but that isn’t easy.
Second chances are a good thing Bill. If the guy is back again, then you could add a custodial sentence on, otherwise give him a chance to change.
I wonder if that tap on the wrist hurt ?
Rehab is good in a correctional institution.
It would be great to get inside the mind of judges to determine the logic for their sentences !