Accused sentenced for posting false message

SYDNEY — A Louisbourg man has been given a conditional discharge and probation after pleading guilty to a charge of posting a false message.

Robert Maria Steylen, 57, was charged after he posted a picture of himself on Facebook with the caption “may be the next scum bag to lose it.”

The offence occurred April 24, just five days after the worst mass shooting incident in Canadian history in Portapique, Colchester County, that claimed the lives of 22 people and injured three others.

The post was sent to a police officer with the Cape Breton Regional Police which resulted in an investigation.

Police interviewed Steylen and searched his home resulting in the seizure of a .22-calibre rifle. Weapon offences were eventually dismissed.

The court was told that at the time he made the post, Steylen had been drinking and that this incident sparked a desire to sober up and get treatment for his addiction. Steylen apologized to the court for his actions noting he continues to remain sober. This was his first criminal offence.

He must complete a one-year probation period during which he is to make a $1,000 donation to a charity and write a letter of apology to the Cape Breton Regional Police. Steylen has already offered apologizes to his neighbours.

He will be subject to urinalysis during his probation to ensure he remains alcohol free.

Should he complete his probation with no breaches, the discharge can be made absolute meaning he will not register a criminal record.

Should he be charged with other offences while on probation, he runs the risk being sentenced on the false message charge.