A northeast B.C. man has been sentenced to a six-month conditional sentence and 18 months probation for posting threatening comments on social media directed at Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier.
Leslie Earl Brown, 55, of Pouce Coupe was issued the term Friday in Prince George provincial court for a tirade he posted on Bernier's Facebook page in late October.
Brown made disparaging and expletive-filled remarks not only about Bernier but about his family. And on his own Facebook page, Brown said in part that he hoped Bernier's plane crashes and "your stupid head gets removed in the process."
Earlier in the day when he made the posts, Brown had gone through dental surgery and was on pain killers. He had been drinking while on Facebook and got into an argument with another user when an ad from Bernier popped up on the page's sidebar.
From there "he just snapped," the court was told, although it was also noted there was evidence Brown had a history of getting drunk, falling into an angry mood and then sending threatening messages.
Brown had also been taking medication for depression but had not been taking counseling, the court also heard.
When Bernier's constituency assistant discovered the comments she took them to the Dawson Creek RCMP and three days later Brown was arrested at his home.
RCMP found about three dozen empty beer cans in the kitchen and a further half dozen on a small table next to his computer. He protested to police that his right to free speech was being violated but when given a chance to comment before sentencing on Friday, Brown showed remorse.
"I would like to express my deepest regret for this incident in its entirety," Brown said.
The Berniers declined an offer to provide a formal victim impact statements but it was noted they had since installed an electronic security system in their home and that the family was anxious and fearful when Bernier was away from home.
That said, the Berniers wished Brown no ill will and hoped he gets the help he needs.
Brown, who had remained at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre since his arrest, was also sentenced to 124 days time served plus a day in jail for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm to the RCMP.
Also on Facebook, Brown applauded the infamous Mayerthorpe incident, in which four police officers who were killed by a lone gunman, drawing concern from the RCMP. And when he was arrested, Brown was drunk and confrontational.
However, it was subsequently found that Brown owned no guns, despite telling RCMP he had "guns all over me" and threatening to greet police with a shotgun the next time they showed up at his door.
A conditional sentence means Brown will serve his term at home but will end up in custody if he violates his conditions, which include no consumption of alcohol and no use of the internet for those six months.
While on probation, Brown is barred from using the internet if he had been drinking in the previous 24 hours. He was also ordered to take counseling for anger management, alcohol abuse and any psychological problems he faces.
