No one is above the law.
It is the message from the City of Penticton lawyer handling the trial against street person Paul Braun is sending out prior to the start of the proceedings, which is scheduled for Sept. 11 to 14.
Braun is being prosecuted for obstructive panhandling within a 10 metre exclusion zone, set by the City of Penticton’s Good Neighbour bylaw.
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“Mr. Braun needs to comply with the same bylaws that apply to everyone else in Penticton. Mr. Braun is not above the law, nor does he get a special exemption for it,” said Troy DeSouza, prosecutor for the City of Penticton.
A news release, sent out by the City of Penticton on Wednesday, alleges Braun refuses to comply with the city bylaws. An exclusion zone that applies to other public safety areas, such as banks and ATM’s.
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The release also states that had Braun moved his panhandling activities one metre outside of the exclusion zone, or to most other areas of the city, he would not be facing these charges. They then go on to allege that Braun has rejected all reasonable attempts at settlement that would place him in compliance with the bylaw like all other Penticton residents.
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This prosecution is part of the City of Penticton’s ongoing policy of stepped up street enforcement and increased emphasis controlling inappropriate behaviours in the downtown area.
The City of Penticton said out of respect for the legal process that once the trial commences they will not comment on the matter until the conclusion of the trial.
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