A homeless man loitering on school property in Slave Lake received a highly unusual penalty in Slave Lake Court of Justice June 17.
Colton Gladue pleaded guilty to loitering or trespassing and was fined 60 cents by Justice S.P. Hinkley.
Court heard the offence occurred in April and that Gladue is homeless and unemployed.
In court, Gladue said he did not enter the school on purpose and did not see any signs indicating what the building was.
Crown prosecutor Preet Cheema asked Justice Hinkley to consider a $500 fine.
However, Justice Hinkley, noting that Gladue was homeless and unemployed, took a different approach.
“Do you have a loonie on you?” he asked Gladue.
Gladue replied he did not.
“How much do you have?” asked the justice.
Gladue replied 60 cents.
“There will be a fine of 60 cents!” declared Justice Hinkley.
“Don’t leave without paying,” he advised.
Chris Clegg
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This story is a reminder that even small events can spark important conversations about compassion, fairness, and how communities support vulnerable people. Thanks for sharing.
Justice Hinckley treats vagrant trespassers as a punch line in the tragedy of homelessness.