Supreme Court

R. v. Wedzin, 2003 NWTSC 42
Date: 20030709
Docket: S-1-CR2003000031

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

N THE MATTER OF:


HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN


- vs. -


NORMAN WEDZIN


Transcript of the Reasons for Sentence by The Honourable Justice J.E. Richard, at Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, on June 19th A.D., 2003.


APPEARANCES:

Ms. C. Carrasco:  Counsel for the Crown

Mr. J. Brydon:   Counsel for the Accused


Charge under s. 139(1) Criminal Code of Canada


THE COURT:   This offender, Norman Wedzin, pleads guilty to a charge of attempting to obstruct justice. This of course is a very serious offence. At the core of the crime is the willful attempt or intention to obstruct the course of justice and this crime, therefore, strikes at the very heart or the very vitality of the justice system. Anyone who is considering interfering with the justice system by threatening or persuading a witness not to testify in court or to give false evidence in court must know or must get the message that serious consequences will flow from such interference with the justice system.

Here, this offender assaulted a 14-year-old boy, I am told, and then after he was charged with the assault, he threatened the boy that if the boy testified against him in court on that assault charge that he would assault him again. As it turns out, I am told that Mr. Wedzin pleaded guilty to the assault charge and was sentenced to five months imprisonment. This was back in March of this year. It is regrettable that this obstruct justice charge was not dealt with at the same time as the other charges in March. In any event, we are here today.

In my view, it is an aggravating circumstance that this offence was committed with respect to a young, vulnerable 14-year-old boy. It is also aggravating that in this case, as opposed to some of

[Page 1]

the cases that come before the Court for obstruct justice, in this case there was indeed a threat of violence.

Now, Mr. Wedzin, I hear you say this morning, among other things, that you appreciate that people are trying to help you. I hope that you keep that in mind while you are finishing your sentence and after you get released. In particular, let me make sure that you are clear what has happened here today.

You are very fortunate that the Crown prosecutor here is not asking for 12 months jail. That is a pretty normal sentence for someone like you, who has got this kind of record, and who has committed this offence. Now, the prosecutor, and the Court, are properly giving you credit because you are pleading guilty. That's a valid consideration to reduce your sentence. But keep in mind you have got quite a discount here, and people are trying to help you. You are going to turn 25 next month; it is time for you to do more to help yourself and get on with leading a sober and peaceful life so that your parents can be proud of you.

Please stand then, Mr. Wedzin.

Norman Wedzin, for the crime that you have committed contrary to Section 139(2) of the Criminal Code, obstruct justice, it is the sentence of this Court that you be imprisoned for a period of three

[Page 2]

months.

You may sit.

Is there any other matters? Have a seat, Mr. Wedzin.

MR. BRYDON:  I'd ask that the Victims of Crime surcharge be waived in the circumstances.

THE COURT:   There will be no Victim Fine surcharge in the circumstances. There is no other order sought here?

MS. CARRASCO:  And the sentence is consecutive?

THE COURT:   Consecutive to time serving, yes. Thank you.

Good luck to you, Mr. Wedzin.

(AT WHICH TIME THE ORAL REASONS FOR SENTENCE CONCLUDED)


Certified to be a true and accurate transcript pursuant to Rules 723 and 724 of the Supreme Court Rules.

Lois Hewitt
Court Reporter

[Page 3]