Lawyers in Rowe case give final submissions

Lawyers in the case of a Sheaves Cove man found guilty of assaulting a neighbour and resisting arrest stemming from an incident on Aug. 25, 2009, presented their final submissions in court last week.

Crown Attorney Bill Howse told the judge Robert Rowe should receive eight to 12 months incarceration for the assault charge, and one month in custody for the charge of resisting arrest.

He also asked that Mr. Rowe receive two years probation, and not be allowed contact with victim Shelley Jesso or her family. Mr. Howse also suggested anger management and a prohibition on alcohol for Mr. Rowe.

Judge Jacqueline Jenkins asked why an alcohol prohibition should be imposed when alcohol was not a factor in the case. Mr. Howse replied it would help act as a deterrent for others and send a message to the public.

Defence Attorney Fred Stagg said Mr. Rowe, along with his family and friends, had been systematically victimized by unknown persons leading up to Aug. 25, 2009. He said his client struck back, both metaphorically and physically, for the first time that evening.

He suggested a conditional discharge or suspended sentence for his client, as a jail sentence would impede Mr. Rowe's ability to provide for his family. He also asked that Mr. Rowe's firearms not be taken from him, noting his client was a hunter.

In March, Mr. Rowe was found guilty on the two charges. Judge Jenkins found him not guilty on a charge of issuing threats.

***

During last week's proceedings, Ms. Jesso read a victim impact statement for the court. She said there were no accurate words to describe the pain and despair she felt because of the assault.

"This attack has changed me," she said. "I have lost my faith and trust in people."

Ms. Jesso said she is receiving counselling, and noted the incident has also had an effect on her family.

Mr. Rowe also addressed the judge, apologizing to the Jesso family and the court.

"I am not a threat to the Jesso family or anybody else in the community," added Mr. Rowe.

Judge Jenkins is scheduled to sentence Mr. Rowe on May 19.

editor@thegeorgian.ca