Tuesday
November 25, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 94)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Banner day: Earl Marriott Secondary has its first-ever football championship, after the Mariners’ senior squad scored in the final minute of the title game to claim victory. i see page 29
Conditional sentence with curfew imposed on Jason Robinson for 2007 offence in White Rock
No jail time for years-old sex assault Tracy Holmes
months abiding by a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. “Sexual assaults are serious charges,� Justice Robert Crawford said Friday in B.C. Supreme Court, after recounting details of the incident and examples of sentencing in other sex-assault cases. Robinson, 35, pleaded guilty last June to committing the assault.
Staff Reporter
A White Rock man charged six years ago in connection with an August 2007 sexual assault will not spend any time in jail for the offence. Instead, Jason Andrew Robinson will serve a conditional sentence of two years less a day, including 12
In sentencing submissions on Sept. 3 and Nov. 17, the court heard that it occurred at around 3 a.m., about four hours after the intoxicated victim had gone to bed. The then-25-year-old woke to find her clothing had been removed and Robinson standing over her naked, “about to have sexual intercourse with her.�
When she yelled at Robinson to leave, he did, the court heard. Crawford said that while the victim reported feeling like she had had sex, there was no physical evidence to support the assertion. He noted that sentencing for past cases describe sex assaults on those unable to defend themselves as attacks on the “most vulnerable.�
“The factors on one side are the taking advantage of a lady who is intoxicated‌ the other side is the position (that) he stopped,â€? Crawford said. Robinson’s sentence includes 20 years on the sex-offender registry. A second sexual assault charge, in connection with an incident on Aug. 3, 2007, was stayed.
Tracy Holmes photos
Crews use a gantry crane to replace the Little Campbell River trestle bridge Thursday. The work took place as members of the Semiahmoo First Nation watched from across the river.
Semiahmoo First Nation record process, following concerns with damage mitigation
Trestle replacement went as designed: BNSF Tracy Holmes
wrapped just after 3 p.m. The first trains tested the new, 80-foot steel span at about 11 p.m., with operations back on track shortly after. BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said Monday that trains will operate at a reduced speed until the welding of track joints is completed later this week. “Once the welds are complete‌ we’ll pick the speed up to normal,â€?
Staff Reporter
Crews began work early Thursday to replace the Little Campbell River trestle bridge in South Surrey. The work got underway at 6 a.m. – under the watchful eye of Semiahmoo First Nation members, who viewed the proceedings from opposite the mouth of the river. The bulk of the $2-million job
HEARING AIDS
$1249!
Includes Hearing Test
he told Peace Arch News. The rail bridge – which sits on Semiahmoo First Nation land – has long been a subject of concern, due to its age and deteriorating condition. It has been earmarked for replacement since 2011. BNSF structures manager Alan Bloomquist said the railway has been inspecting the aging span every 30 days, ever since Transport
! "
Canada examined the 79-tonne structure more than a year ago and “didn’t like what they saw.� While some repairs were made along the way – including replacement of timber shims with steel and replacement of braces and some bearings – it was deemed safe for train traffic every time, he said. Earlier last week, Semiahmoo councillor Joanne Charles told
PAN the band had concerns, and was consulting with Aboriginal Affairs; as well, that she was left in the dark about any plans for mitigation in the event of a mishap. “What if it’s so old it crumbles when they try to lift it?� she said. Melonas said Thursday that “the entire plan was designed to respect� the band’s property. i see page 10