Man jailed for probation breach

A P.E.I. man who said he had COVID-19 symptoms when he went to probation services and then never reported again was sentenced recently to 30 days in jail.

Michael Robert Bryenton, 41, appeared before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown by video from jail where he has been in custody since his arrest on Oct. 3.

During his appearance, Bryenton pleaded guilty to breaching his probation. Bryenton was on probation after he was sentenced earlier this year for offences related to an incident during which he shot marbles out of a paintball gun inside a hotel.

Crown attorney Nathan Beck told the court that on July 9, Bryenton spoke to probation services but didn’t maintain contact after that.

He was charged with breaching his probation, released and later failed to attend court. Beck told the court Bryenton later up showed up at probation services, but said he had all the symptoms of COVID-19 when he was asked screening questions.

Bryenton hasn’t had contact with probation services since, Beck said.

Before hearing his sentence, Bryenton apologized for his actions, saying he missed his court appearance because his car broke down and then didn’t get the next date. He told Orr he has a job and a place to live then asked for one more chance. Bryenton, who has a lengthy criminal record, said he promised he wouldn’t mess up if Orr gave him a chance. Orr sentenced Bryenton to 30 days in jail.