Firebug gets community-based sentence
Michael Brideau, 45, of no fixed address, has struggled with alcohol for years, court hears
A Fredericton man who torched a rural garage and barn avoided a jail term Thursday, with the Crown and defence recommending a conditional sentence instead.
Michael Brideau, 45, formerly of Prince William but now of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court for sentencing Thursday, having previously pleaded guilty to a count of arson.
Crown prosecutor Patrick Wilbur said the offender had been residing at a Nashwaak Bridge homestead a few years ago with his girlfriend, Sarah Mazerolle.
It had belonged to Mazerolle’s previous partner, court heard, but upon his death, the property - which included a century-old farmhouse, as well as a garage and barn - was passed to his brother, David Bubar.