Ordered to return

SYDNEY — Four of five people subject to arrest warrants after failing to attend a provincial court trial this week have turned themselves in to authorities and were released on a recognizance.

Unendorsed arrest warrants were issued Tuesday for the accused, alleged victim and three witnesses.

The trial was for Valerie Ashley Kennedy, 30, of Sydney Mines who is charged with assault causing bodily harm and breaching a court order by failing to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The offences are alleged to have occurred Dec. 3, 2018 in Sydney Mines.

Kennedy turned herself in on Wednesday and was released to return to court June 4 for her trial.

Also subject to a warrant were Crown witnesses Jade Bennett of Rudderham Road, Darryl MacLean and James MacLean, both of Florence.

All three made brief court appearances Thursday and were released on a recognizance ordering them to return to court June 4 for the trial. The trio are also to report in person to Cape Breton Regional Police on May 28, in advance of the trial.

The warrant for the alleged victim, Keyonna Arsenault of Sydney Mines, remains outstanding. However, there was an indication Thursday that Arsenault was aware of the warrant and would be taking steps to appear in court.

Provincial court Judge Ann Marie MacInnes reminded each of the witnesses on Thursday that a court summons to appear is not an invitation or a request but a court order that needs to be obeyed.