Merritt man pleads guilty for assault

MERRITT – A Merritt man received a suspended sentence after committing an assault and failing to attend court on multiple occasions.

Merritt RCMP said Mark Archachan allegedly hit another person in the face with a garbage can on October 15.

Police said Archachan was located a few days later and was arrested and charged for Assault with a Weapon.

According to officers, between November 8 and June 1, Archachan failed to attend court four times causing four additional arrests.

“Having to chase offenders who fail to attend Court puts a huge strain on police resources and shows the lack of respect offenders have for our justice system,” said Sgt. Josh Roda. “Mr. Archachan was not charged for any of the occasions he failed to attend Court.”

On June 1, RCMP said Archachan was arrested and taken before the court where he pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of assault and received a suspended sentence and probation for 12 months.