Nathan Neil Rehberg is heading back to jail.
Rehberg, who was convicted of criminal harassment and inciting hatred and served time in jail earlier this year for his role in lighting a cross on fire on the property of an interracial couple in Hants County, was back before the courts this month.
Rehberg, 21, of Avondale, was remanded into police custody on charges of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and breach of probation Aug. 8.
At a scheduled court appearance Aug. 12, Rehberg pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen ATV.
Crown prosecutor Bill Fergusson told the court that RCMP received a call from a man saying his ATV had been stolen. The man saw the ATV on the back of a truck and followed the vehicle back to Rehberg’s place.
Police arrested Rehberg and two other men — 23-year-old Clayton Robinson, of Sackville, and 22-year-old Kyle Pottie, of Bedford — in relation to possessing the stolen ATV.
Robinson and Pottie are scheduled to appear in Windsor court on Oct. 4 to face the charges.
Fergusson, and Legal Aid lawyer Karen Armour, put forward a joint recommendation for Rehberg to serve 30 days in custody, minus five days for time served.
Rehberg took responsibility for his actions and addressed the court Aug. 12.
“I’m sorry your honour,” he said. “I hope this is the last time you see me.”
Judge Claudine MacDonald told Rehberg that staying out of trouble is entirely up to him and it was suggested that when he gets out of jail, he should to take a close look at his choices and his friends.
Rehberg said he was working hard to get his life back on track — he’s been studying to get his GED — and plans to make a positive change.
In January 2011, Rehberg was convicted of criminal harassment and inciting hatred for his role in the cross-burning incident that made national headlines as the first case of its kind in Canada. At that time, Rehberg was also sentenced to 30 months of probation, to begin following the two months in custody. As part of his probation, Rehberg was ordered to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
He was on probation when the August ATV incident occurred; however, the Crown dropped the breach of probation charge.
