2021 October 4

Paramount Fine Foods v. Johnson, 2021 ONSC 6558

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice sentenced the defendant to a jail term of three months for each of six acts in contempt of court for total consecutive terms of 18 months for breaching a court injunction prohibiting him from continuing to defame the plaintiff. The court held that the plaintiff, who had endured a court proceeding and obtained a court order, was entitled to be secure in feeling that the law will protect him and his family.  “The only way to do so is to remove [the defendant] from the public for a time.  No sentencing option short of a jail term will bring compliance with the injunction, protect [the plaintiff], or the public.” The Court stated that “there is a need in this case for a sentence that makes the public sit up and take notice.  I am thinking of those who might fear that the civil courts cannot protect them; those who might try to undermine the authority of the court; and the public in general who expect the law of the land to be enforced equally.  The court’s order will be enforced. The rule of law requires no less.”