Corner Brook -
An arrest warrant is being issued for a Baie Verte man charged in the theft of 200 dozen beer this summer.
During Warren Brian Gavin's last appearance in provincial court in Corner Brook, he requested a postponement of four months in dealing with a charge of possession of stolen property. The 32-year-old told Judge Wayne Gorman, at the time, he was leaving the province due to work commitments.
The judge said the delay would be too lengthy and set the matter over for a month. He encouraged Gavin, who hadn't obtained any legal counsel, if he was unable to attend, to obtain a lawyer to appear on his behalf.
When the case was called Tuesday, a relative appeared on his behalf with a letter to the court. Gorman said the court also received the same letter, unsigned and undated. He asked Crown attorney Darrell Coombs, if he wished to issue a warrant for Gavin's arrest.
He did.
The judge told the cousin a person can't simply not appear in court and send somebody else on their behalf. The relative had indicated Gavin was in Edmonton, Alta.
The 32-year-old is one of three charged following an investigation into the break and entry of Noble's Distributing - a Molson distribution warehouse - in Baie Verte. It was reported 200 dozen beer was taken June 21. It was thought the loading bay door was forced open and the product removed.
Police issued a public plea for assistance and attributed the arrests and recovery of the majority of the beer to tips they received.
Irene Lillian Hillier, 45, was also charged with possession of stolen property. Her case was most recently postponed to next Tuesday in Gander. Raymond Calvin Bennett, 44, was also charged with possession of stolen property, but the only person charged with break and entering to commit an offence. Bennett is expected to enter a plea during his next appearance in Corner Brook Nov. 17.
