A case of mistaken identity landed a Gravenhurst man in court recently.
William Dear, 52, pled guilty in a Bracebridge courtroom to harassment and uttering death threats.
Court heard that in November of 2024, a complainant contacted police to complain that he was being followed and harassed by a stranger.
The caller said a vehicle had been following him and when he stopped the driver, later identified as Dear, got out of his car and demanded answers regarding drug trafficking and child exploitation, court heard.
In another incident in December of 2024, Dear pulled his car in front of the complainant on Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst, forcing him to stop. Dear again began berating the driver and threatened to shoot him, court heard.
The defence lawyer explained that Dear has had issues with an individual allegedly harassing a member of his family. He thought the complainant was that individual but it turned out they simply drove similar cars, said the defence.
“He releases this is not the way to go about it,” said the defence.
Dear was given a suspended sentence and two years probation.
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Thank you Patricia for addressing the nearly impossible criteria “Fire Smart “ suggests could apply here in Muskoka. I too have listened to Chief Murrell’s presentation and wondered how any cottage property could come close to meeting any of his criteria. Our cottage built in the 1930’s is surrounded by eighty foot hemlock trees, a few only a metre away with branches intertwined with neighbour’s trees…and so on and so on.
Quite the challenge to fire proof Muskoka I’m afraid.