Fraud case likely delayed until spring
A case involving two counts fraud over $5,000 against Gypsy Villas (58) and Jessica Villas (38), has been in front of Sharbot Lake court eight times previously. This time, both defendants were in court for the first time, as were representatives from their lawyers. The lawyer for Jessica Villas is available for a trial the week of the 11th of March or in April. The lawyer for Gpysy Villas was in court only to ask to be removed from the record.
Villas himself informed the court that he has applied, and expects to be granted, legal aide and will then hire a new lawyer. His new lawyer may ask for a pre-trial in the case, which would apply to Jessica Villas’ case as well. The case was given a further remand, until August 27, for Villas’ new lawyer to provide input.
Convictions for Over 80
Paul Sullivan, 54, pled guilty to a charge of driving with blood alcohol over 80mg/100ml of blood. The case stems from a snowmobiling incident on December 22. Sullivan had been sledding on the lake where his cottage is located, and then went on to his own property, where he hit a dock that had been pulled out of the water and was hidden under the snow, throwing him from the sled on to the ground.
A neighbour helped him into his house and suggested calling 911, but Sullivan resisted. When the neighbour and the neighbour’s wife returned to check on him a bit later, it was clear he needed medical attention and 911 was called. Police attended along with the paramedic services, and saw that Mr. Sullivan was intoxicated.. He was transported to Kingston General Hospital where he was treated for broken ribs and a punctured lung. At the same time, police attended and made a breath request, which ended up leading to a blood test instead of a breath test on the advice of the medical team at KGH. The result was a reading of 133mg/100ml of blood, well over the limit. The Crown requested a $2,000 fine and an 18-month driving prohibition due to the high alcohol level, but Judge Griffin levied a $1,200 fine and gave Mr. Sullivan a 12-month driving prohibition.
Anthony Arney was driving at high rate of speed on Road 506 on July 4, when he encountered a police patrol headed in the opposite direction. Both the police and Arney had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. The police cruiser then turned around and caught up to Arney’s car and pulled it over. They found indications of impairment and made a roadside breath request. Arney failed the test, was arrested and brought to the Sharbot Lake detachment. The readings from the tests done at the detachment were 113 and 95. He pled guilty to a charge of “over 80” and two highway traffic acts related to the incident were withdrawn. He received a $1,000 fine and a 12-month driving prohibition. Because the plea was made at the earliest opportunity, Mr. Arney will be eligible to apply for an interlock device in three months.
First appearance
Lynn Porteous, 55, is facing a charge of driving while impaired and a charge of driving with blood alcohol over 80mg/100ml of blood. She will return on September 17.
