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| Last updated at 11:27 PM on 16/01/09 |
Judge questions facts in case against St. Jude’s man 
CORY HURLEY
The Western Star
CORNER BROOK — Despite pleading guilty to four illegal salmon fishing related charges, there is still some issues with the exact nature of the investigation and charges against a St. Jude’s man.
Wade A. Rubia is one of 10 men charged in relation to Operation Click, an undercover investigation into a salmon poaching ring involving the area known as the tailrace in Deer Lake. His charges include altering a fishing licence, possessing an altered licence, possessing untagged salmon and angling during a closed time.
On Friday, in provincial court in Corner Brook, Judge Kymil Howe also had issues with the facts as presented by Crown attorney Lori St. Croix. The judge stopped court proceedings following statement of facts, asking where the details were to warrant charges of altering a fishing licence or tags in Rubia’s case.
St. Croix was given a recess to speak with conservation officers present and, when court proceeded, failed to adequately address the issue for Judge Howe’s liking. She set the case over to allow the crown further time to speak with the investigating officers, who were not in court Friday, pertaining to the details of the charges in question.
“I just want something on the record saying what is an altered licence and how did this person have one,” Judge Howe said. “If you can come up with something to read into the record to clarify that, I think it would be beneficial.”
Meanwhile, Rubia himself spoke to the conservation officers in the courtroom. He was questioning them on different issues he had related to family licences and the forfeiture of fish from his freezer — some of which he claims belonged to his son.
During his last court appearance on Dec. 10 Judge Wayne Gorman asked Rubia if he had fished during a closed time. He said he couldn’t recall, but wanted to proceed with a guilty plea anyway. The matter was recessed for him to consult with duty council and he pleaded guilty when court resumed.
Despite the obvious issues, the 35-year-old has pleaded guilty and has refused representation by a lawyer.
Facts and sentencing was set over until Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
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17/01/09
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SanaAnna from USA writes: If, indeed he did fish Salmon illegally was it to be able to catch and eat the fish to survive - sustain somewhat of a healthy diet for imself and his family?
OR was it to sell to for money to survive?
Regardless of which of the above, IF there is a Market - Enforcemeny need to be going after The Buyers NOT the poor man - If this is what's happening in NFLD. / LAB.
What do You think?
I'm internet surfing and came across this News blurb. Use to live in Canada, Nova Scotia was the most corrupt place we lived in and I've noticed that John Risley and George Armoyan have moved onto The Rock from Nova Scotia. Interesting, Very Interesting, Mr. Williams.
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| Posted 18/01/2009 at 4:50 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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off da rock dl from dl, nl writes: I find it hard to believe this is getting so much exposure. poaching is and has been a way of life for many islanders. only poachers support poachers, the poor guy fishing legally or who only catches and releases is sufferring due to the poachers greed. you poach you pay they should be banned for life from all hunting and fishing, they may think twice then.
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| Posted 18/01/2009 at 6:09 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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