Man misses court, reports having flu for fourth time

‘This is starting to appear as someone who’s just delaying,’ judge tells accused

A provincial court judge in St. John’s implied an accused get a COVID-19 test Friday, after the man reported having flulike symptoms on his scheduled court date for the fourth time.

“This is starting to appear as someone who’s just delaying,” Judge Mike Madden said to Doug Wheeler, who appeared in court by phone.

The court heard Wheeler had been stopped from attending in person on four different dates after telling sheriffs he was experiencing flu symptoms.

“No, I’m not delaying, I want to get this over with, actually,” Wheeler responded.

Wheeler is facing nine charges, the earliest from the fall of 2019, including assault with a weapon, mischief by damaging property, uttering threats, possessing property obtained by crime, breaching court orders and failing to attend court as required.

Prosecutor Jason House asked the judge for the earliest possible return date, in order to have some progress made on the longstanding case.

“See a doctor to find out what’s wrong with you,” Madden told the accused, advising him to contact a lawyer as well. “The lawyer can appear on your behalf and move the matter along.”

Anyone entering the province’s courts must pass a COVID-19 screening desk, where they are asked to disclose any flu-like symptoms, out-of-province travel and contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Wheeler was one of a number of people who attended their court date by phone Friday, having either called the court in advance to report feeling ill and being advised not to come in person, or showed up and was turned away by sheriff’s officers at the screening desk. His matter will be called again June 17.