COURT briefs
Plea date set for Mira Gut man on charges of assaulting officers
SYDNEY — A Mira Gut man charged with offences that include assaulting police officers was released on bail Wednesday. Brian Morris Benoit, 47, is charged with two counts of assaulting (three) police officers with a vehicle, two counts of mischief involving damage to police vehicles, and single counts of evading police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, impaired driving, refusing a breathalyzer demand and driving while disqualified. The offences are alleged to have occurred Jan. 20 in Sydney and Albert Bridge. Benoit was released on a host of conditions after posting $20,000 in property to secure his release. He is to return to court Feb. 21 to enter pleas.
Federal jail sentence imposed on Sydney man
SYDNEY — A 27-year-old Sydney man is to a serve a two-year federal jail sentence on assault and arson charges. Russell Charles Ellery pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching court orders and single counts of assault, break and enter and arson (burning another individual’s clothing). The offences occurred in September 2017 in Sydney. Ellery is also to serve a two-year probation period and is banned for life from possessing firearms. He was also ordered to supply a DNA sample to the national registry. Ellery was charged after breaking into his former girlfriend’s apartment and setting some of her clothes on fire.
Arrest warrant issued for Sydney man
SYDNEY — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Sydney man who failed to attend court for a preliminary hearing and a trial on 12 charges. Mohammed Zuraibi Alzoabi, 27, was scheduled to have a trial on seven counts of breaching court orders along with a preliminary hearing on charges of sexual assault, assault, forcible confinement, uttering a threat and criminal harassment.
In failing to attend court, the judge issued an arrest warrant. Alzoabi, a Saudi national, was released after posting $42,000 in property and cash for his bail. Among the conditions of his release, Alzoabi was ordered to attend court when required. The accused also has some $69,000 in motor vehicle infractions owing for such offences as driving without a licence, insurance or registration.