B6

Tammy Scott-Wallace
Telegraph-Journal

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SUSSEX - A Roachville man who admits he lost his cool last winter while picking up a youngster at Poley Mountain was handed a three-month conditional sentence and placed on probation for a year.

Denis Rene Rehel, 42, was sentenced in Sussex provincial court recently for assaulting the youth on Feb. 18.

Crown prosecutor Kelly Winchester said on that date Rehel was drinking when he drove the youth to the Waterford ski hill. On the way there, the child feared they would have an accident because Rehel was swerving on the road and crossing over the yellow line.

Several hours later, Rehel punched the youth in the head and nose, before pulling the youngster's hair, Winchester told the court. He also threatened to kill the youngster, the Crown added.

Meanwhile, because of the scene created at Poley Mountain, Sussex RCMP had received a call and responded to the complaint by tracking Rehel down.

As a result, Winchester said, Rehel has attended Ridgewood Addiction Services for its detox program.

"It's like we often see in provincial court, when alcohol goes in the mouth, common sense goes out of the brain," said duty council John King prior to sentencing.

Judge Henrik Tonning said regardless of Rehel's reason for behaving as he did, he overreacted and added that a child is in a defenceless position against such behaviour.

Rehel told the court "I'm sorry."

Tonning said while he "sees seeds of hope," Rehel's drinking will not be tolerated. As part of his probation order he is ordered to stay away from booze for 12 months, take any counseling or programming as directed by probation services, and keep the peace.

"You drink, you go to jail for three months," Tonning said.

Rehel was also charged and sentenced earlier this year for driving while prohibited on that day.