The Citizen, 2003-07-30, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2003.
Man charged in Nile murder gets 11 years
The second man involved in the
2001 murder of 78-year old Nile
resident Harold McGee was
sentenced to 11 years in a federal
penitentiary. July 17.
Joseph Bruce Carrick, of
Dungannon, now 19, will be eligible
for parole in eight years, after Judge
Peter B. Hockin credited him with
the three years for already served
since his arrest in December, 2001.
Carrick has pled not guilty to
murder, but guilty to the lesser
offence of manslaughter.
As part of his sentence, Carrick
must undergo psychiatric treatment
along with social skills training,
drug and alcohol rehabilitation and
anger management during his
incarceration, said Judge Hockin.
Though crown attorney Bob
Morris had asked for 15 years minus
time served, defence council John
Scarfe saw the sentence as a victory
as he had asked for eight years.
Scarfe had presented Carrick as a
troubled youth who had grown up in
less than ideal conditions.
Singing in the street
Arras Hopkins of Gorrie was among the Young Company
buskers who performed on the sidewalks of Blyth Saturday
afternoon, displaying their musical and dance talents to
attendees of the Blyth Festival Theatre and casual
shoppers alike. (Janice Becker photo)
Chance Is in the Air
OLDFIELD *Jufl/a&lZat
Carrick’s family physician, Dr.
Donald Neal, stated on the stand that
he had been concerned about the boy
since shortly after his birth, noting
that his head size was smaller than
normal and could have resulted in
constricted brain growth.
His learning disabilities led to
trouble in school, said Scarfe, and in
2001, Carrick was asked to work
from home.
Neal testified that just weeks prior
to the murder, Carrick had asked
him about receiving federal benefits
for his disabilities because of his
limited ability to function on a day-
to-day basis.
Carrick’s mother, Julie, told the
court her son had grown up in a
difficult situation, with she and her
husband separating when the child
was just six or seven.
She stressed that her son was very
easily led and though told to stay
away from co-charged Jason Brown,
they continued to have contact.
Morris reminded the court that
Carrick had not intervened when
McGee was being beaten with a
crowbar, had not sought help and
had the presence of mind to bum
evidence from the robbery.
The break-in and robbery was a
planned event said Morris, and
Carrick was the one with the idea as
he knew there was money in the
home.
Carrick had abused the trust of the
McGee family, Morris added.
McGee’s son Rick had found him a
job in 2000.
North Huron council briefs
No large pick-up day this year
North Huron council at its July 21
meeting had no objection to an
application of consent for a
severance at Part Lot 42, Cone. 13,
East Wawanosh.***
Council approved a
recommendation from the public
works committee to not hold a large
item pick-up day this autumn due to
the estimated cost. This will be
revisited in the spring of 2004.***
Director of finance/treasurer
Donna White will attend a tax
collectors’ seminar in Muskoka
Sept. 7-10. The registration fee is
$439 plus GST.***
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Scarfe countered that although
Carrick may have planned the break
and enter, once events began, it was
quite evident that he was not the one
in charge.
He also said that Carrick could be
rehabilitated and become a
productive member of society, if
given the chance.
During sentencing, Carrick spoke
publicly for the first time when
addressing the McGee family,
expressing remorse for his part in the
Vouchers totalling $1,077,404.46
were approved for payment.
***
Council had no objections to the
installation of a propane cylinder
exchange cage at Stickers
Restaurant in Auburn.
***
There was no objection to the
Blyth Lions Club making
application to the LCBO for a
special occasions permit to hold a
beer garden in conjunction with their
slo-pitch tournament, Aug. 7-10.
The event will be proclaimed a
community festival.
***
Council also had no objection to a
severance application for Part Lot
break-in and for the loss suffered by
the family.
In response to the verdict and
sentencing, McGee’s brother Eugene
McGee said he was glad the ordeal
had come to an end, but felt Carrick
should have received a longer
sentence.
Also charged in the incident, Jason
Clifford Brown of Goderich was
sentenced to life in prison in April
and will be eligible for parole in
2014.
40, Cone. 1, parts 1 and 2, East
Wawanosh, on condition that the
property be rezoned AG4.
***
The township will sponsor the
North Huron museum calendar with
a financial contribution of $250.
***
Council had no objection to the
Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby
Association making application to
the LCBO for a special occasion
permit for the 42nd annual reunion,
Sept. 5-7. This event will be
proclaimed a community festival.
***
Doris Robinson was appointed to
the Belgrave Community Centre
board as a voting representative.
Call now! Some performances already sold out!
BOX OFFICE 1-877-TO BLYTH
www.blythfestival.com
august 6 - august 24
HAVING HOPE AT HOME
by David S. Craig
A sidesplitting look at a family learning to love again.