By CHAT News Today

Two years probation for man charged following February grassfire

Oct 26, 2017 | 2:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The man who pleaded guilty in connection with a February grassfire has received his sentence.

Appearing in Medicine Hat provincial court on Wednesday, Wesley Van Bocquestal, 61, was sentenced to two years probation on charges of mischief causing public damage and two counts of failing to comply with his probation orders.

Van Bocquestal was arrested on February 18 after police and firefighters responded to a grass fire in an open field between the Gas City Campground and the Clarion Hotel. The fire was quickly contained, and there was no damage to nearby buildings or property.

Van Bocquestal was initially charged with arson, but pleaded down to the lesser charge of mischief in July.

Van Bocquestal was also charged with one more count of failure to comply with probation, breach of recognizance and possession of incendiary material. Those charges were withdrawn.

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