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Man who snuck through basement window, then lied to cops, gets house arrest

Judge agreed with proposed sentence — four months of house arrest, then 12 months probation — so 45-year-old could continue working as a commercial fisherman
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The Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse is pictured in this file photo. Michael Purvis/SooToday

A commercial fisherman can continue to work on the lake as he serves a four-month sentence for his actions on a fall night last year.

Gregory Tatton pleaded guilty last week in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom to three offences stemming from a Nov. 5 incident that occurred at a Michipicoten First Nation residence.

The 45-year-old was convicted of unlawfully being in a dwelling house, obstructing police and breaching a release order.

Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni heard the accused entered the home through a closed basement window, and then made off with a pair of shoes.

Tatton gave police a false name, but ultimately admitted he was on house arrest and wasn't to be off his property, prosecutor Blair Hagan told the court.

The Crown and defence jointly recommended a four-month conditional sentence, which would be served in the community, followed by 12 months probation.

Hagan noted the accused was convicted of similar offences — obstructing police and failing to comply with an order — on Nov. 13 and was sentenced to a three-month conditional sentence.

Tatton's lawyer Adrienne Hagan said her client, a Batchewana First Nation member, has been gainfully employed at Agawa Fisheries for the last two years.

He followed the terms of his last sentence and is able to continue working.

As well, he doesn't have a driver's licence and has no reason to be in the Wawa area, she said.

Buttazzoni agreed to the sentence, warning Tatton that if he breaches the conditions he will end up serving the time in custody.

"What makes this palatable to me is that you are employed and will be able to continue to work."

During the four-month sentence, Tatton will be under house arrest and can only leave his residence for work, medical emergencies, to take any recommended counselling and to obtain the necessities of life on Saturday afternoons. 

He also can have no contact with the complainants and must remain 50 metres away from them.

As well, he must abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.

His 12-month probation order includes similar conditions.

Tatton is prohibited him from possessing weapons for 10 years, and must provide a DNA sample for the national registry.



About the Author: Linda Richardson

Linda Richardson is a freelance journalist who has been covering Sault Ste. Marie's courts and other local news for more than 45 years.
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