A man Huntsville was in court recently to answer for stealing liquor, skipping out on his taxi bills and other offences.
Robert Merkel, 36, pled guilty to fraud, theft and failing to attend court in a court appearance last month.
Court heard that on July 7, 2022, Merkel failed to pay for a $60 cab ride. The police were called and he was given 24 hours to pay but he did not.
On July 11, 2022, police were called to the Huntsville LCBO. Staff said Merkel entered the store and stuck two bottles of absinthe, valued at $100, down his pants before attempting to leave the store without paying.
Merkel racked up another charge on July 19, 2022, when he failed to attend court.
He was given a suspended sentence and 2 months probation.
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So what was the point in going to court ?
What is the deterrent here?
What about mandatory alcohol rehabilitation program or 300 hours community service, or just plain jail time?