Panhandler going to trial

Well-known street person Paul Braun pleaded not guilty Thursday in Penticton court to eight municipal bylaw offences he was issued last year for panhandling near a breezeway.

Defence lawyer Paul Varga entered the plea on Braun's behalf after nearly 90 minutes of legal debate with the city’s lawyer.

Braun was issued the tickets for obstructing a public covered walkway, all of which were at a breezeway located on the 200 block of Main Street in Penticton. He was subpoenaed in November for not paying his fines.

Varga told the courtroom the City of Penticton has targeted his client to try and remove him from the area, adding that prosecuting Braun for his offences would be double jeopardy since Braun has already been issued eight tickets.

City lawyer Troy DeSouza stated that Braun "is not going to be hit with tickets and a prosecution," if he is found guilty. DeSouza has said the city isn't looking for money, just compliance of its bylaws. 

With Thursday being Braun’s third court appearance, DeSouza raised concerns that the court was hearing "hypothetical points" which were delaying proceedings.

"In every prosecution I've done, I've never been to court four times before we've been able to set a trial date. It's unusual," he said.

"And every time we have an appearance, there's an article (written)... somewhere in the media... It is our preference to try this case before the court of law, rather than before the media."

Judge Michelle Daneliuk set Braun's trial for four days, which will take place from Sept. 11 to 15. A pre-trial conference is scheduled on Jun. 28.