Man sentenced for threatening to kill accused in sexual assault matter

A Charlottetown man who told police he was going to “take matters into his own hands” and kill a man accused of sexual assault has been sentenced for uttering threats.

Zackary Darrell Wight, 26, appeared in provincial court in Charlottetown on Nov. 14 and pleaded guilty to the charge of uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death.

Crown attorney Lisa Goulden told the court that on Aug. 12, Wight spoke with the RCMP about his frustration over delays in a sexual assault investigation. Wight was in an emotional state and sent text messages to an RCMP officer. The officer was concerned and phoned Wight. During the phone call, Wight told police he was “going to take matters into his own hands” and “kill” the man charged in the sexual assault if the investigation didn’t move faster.

Goulden told the court that custody wasn’t necessary in the matter. Instead, Goulden proposed probation, which included conditions prohibiting contact with the man accused in the sexual assault.

Wight has a previous criminal record involving two sentences in 2015 for assault causing bodily harm.

Defence lawyer Curtis Doyle recommended a suspended sentence and 12-18 months of probation for his client. He said that Wight is currently employed full-time at Upstreet Craft Brewing. The alleged victim in the sexual assault is Wight’s friend, Doyle said.

Court records show that the alleged sexual assault took place on July 24, 2021. A publication ban is in place preventing the release of information that could identify the alleged victim. The accused is scheduled to have his matter called in P.E.I. Supreme Court on Jan. 10.

Judge Nancy Orr sentenced Wight to 18 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and a $300 victim surcharge. The terms of Wight’s probation include that he has no contact with the man accused of sexual assault or attend any of his court appearances unless he has the prior written consent of a probation officer.