Australia : Monday, 25 October 2010
Fugitive dog owner Ronnie Gilbertson has been jailed for more a month his “wilful and continuing” defiance of the District Court.
Gilbertson, 42, of Mount Gambier, made headlines last year when he went on the run with his beloved dog, Max.
He used bolt cutters to free the Staffordshire-cross from the custody of the District Council of Grant, which had ordered it be destroyed.
Gilbertson then defied Judge Peter Brebner’s demand Max be returned and the law be obeyed.
In August, Gilbertson pleaded guilty to one count of comtempt after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He told the court he had arranged for Max to be put down after the dog attacked another animal interstate.
In sentence today, Judge Brebner said Gilbertson’s love for his pet was understandable, but his actions were inexcusable.
“You plainly put your own priorities ahead of the court, and that’s where your priorities remained for many months,” he said.
“You were in a clouded emotional state, but you had plenty of time to calm down. It must be understood by the community that court orders must always prevail over individual interests or priorities.”
Judge Brebner said Gilbertson had Max put down not to obey the court, but because he “could no longer trust” the animal.
“Your failure to comply with my order was both wilful and continuous,” he said.
“You plenty intended to continue in comtempt for the foreseeable future. The need to vindicate the authority of the court is such that no good reason to suspend your sentence can be found.”
He jailed Gilbertson for six weeks, reduced by 10 days to account for time spent in custody.
Gilbertson must also pay the council’s court costs.
Story and Foto from : www.adelaidenow.com
