(Today’s Northumberland file photo: Josh Clausen speaks to a Cobourg Police officer during a protest in front of Victoria Hall)
A man facing over $3,500 in fines from protesting against Provincial laws during COVID plead guilty in Provincial Offences Court on Friday, June 9, 2023 and received a $100 fine.
Joshua Clausen was charged on four occasions in 2021 with violating the Provincial order regarding the Emergency Services Act as a result of COVID.
Clausen was one of several people protesting the Provincial COVID regulations in front of Victoria Hall in Cobourg every Saturday.
Clausen could have faced a $880.00 fine for each ticket totaling $3,520.00 in fines. but in a meeting with the prosecutor before court, agreed to only plead guilty to one charge with the other three being withdrawn.
When court resumed, Clausen did plead guilty to fail to comply with the Provincial order and was fined $100.00 plus administrative fee and surcharge.
After court, Clausen spoke to Today’s Northumberland and said, “it’s a broken system.”
Clausen said he only plead guilty because of the cost it takes to, “fight the system.”
“Without a lawyer or vast knowledge and experience in court system trying to navigate it on your own is nearly impossible.”
Clausen said he’s already out thousands of dollars because of court proceedings.
“I can’t afford it again.”
Clausen said he stands by what he did, but financially couldn’t afford to fight the system.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
