CORNER BROOK — Local businessman Robert Marche was granted a conditional discharge in provincial court in Corner Brook on Thursday for assaulting another man earlier this year.
Marche was charged Feb. 20 after he attacked the man on the Pepsi Centre parking lot. Marche broke out the window of the man’s truck with a hammer and proceeded to strike him with his hands. The man suffered cuts and scratches to his face, a swollen right eye and a cut near his throat.
In May the man sent a letter, via police, to the Crown attorney’s office asking that the charges against Marche be dropped. At the time he indicated that he didn’t feel threatened by Marche. Crown attorney Ed Ring said despite that letter the Crown decided to proceed with the charges.
It was noted in court that the man later entered a victim impact statement that contradicted the letter.
Marche had also been charged with mischief and damage to property, but that charge was withdrawn during an earlier appearance when he pleaded guilty to the assault charge.
Despite the Crown consenting to questioning the man at the sentencing hearing, defence lawyer Jamie Merrigan told the court that Marche just wanted to put the incident behind him and move on. Merrigan said for that reason they would not challenge the contents of the victim impact statement.
Marche was given the opportunity to address the court before sentencing and in doing so he expressed remorse for the event and apologized to his victim.
In an agreed position on sentencing the Crown sought the conditional discharge along with 18 months probation and Gorman agreed to impose such. The conditions of Marche’s probation include that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour, meet with a probation officer as required, participate in any counselling recommended or ordered by his probation officer, participate in 20 hours of community service and have no direct or indirect contact with his victim.