Altercation with ex leads to jail time

Bay St. Lawrence man to spend 15 months behind bars

A Bay St. Lawrence man will spend 15 months in jail after a drunken altercation with his former partner and police.

Rocky Daniel Buchanan, 38, pleaded guilty to 13 offences that were committed in March and May in the communities of Baddeck, Ingonish and Bay St. Lawrence.

On March 7, Buchanan broke the conditions of his probation and the conditions of a peace bond by making contact with his ex-partner while intoxicated.

Two months later, and again intoxicated, Buchanan ran into the woman at a fundraising event and assaulted her by flicking her on the nose.

The Crown said Buchanan was initially co-operative when arrested by Ingonish RCMP, but quickly became agitated and assaulted a police constable by pushing him.

While sitting in a police cruiser, Buchanan began uttering death threats, including threats toward an officer’s family members.

He then damaged the RCMP vehicle by repeatedly kicking a door with his boots.

Buchanan was taken to the Baddeck detachment where he continued his tirade and assaulted a police officer by spitting in his face.

Buchanan’s offences include two assaults on police, three death threats, three threats of property damage, three breaches of court orders and mischief under $5,000.

Buchanan, who has a lengthy criminal record, has been in custody since his arrest on May 10.

Defence lawyer David Ianetti said it was a bad year for Buchanan following the breakup of his 16-year relationship.

“I don’t have a lot to say in Mr. Buchanan’s defence, the record is what it is” said Ianetti. “His big mouth has gotten him into trouble a lot in the past and he knows that.”

Buchanan was sentenced Tuesday to spend 15 months in jail, followed by one year of probation.

Buchanan was banned from owning firearms for 10 years and must submit DNA to a national registry. During the period of his probation, Buchanan must not consume alcohol in a public place and must stay away from places were alcohol is served as a principle product.