Target of Grand Manan vigilantes misses court

The man at the centre of last summer's riot on Grand Manan Island did not show up in court in St. Andrews, N.B., on Thursday to hear the verdicts from his trial.

Ronald Ross wasto have heard verdicts ontwo counts of uttering threats, one count of threatening property damage and one count of possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.

Hishome was torched on July 22, 2006, when a group of island vigilantes gathered to confront him about his alleged drug dealing. Four men were convicted of various weapons and arson offences.

Ross's charges stem from complaints made against him in the weeks leading up tothe night of the riot.

He has been living in Nova Scotia since his trial concluded earlier this month.

Defence lawyer Joel Hanson told the Court of Queen's Bench that Ross left a message for him on Wednesday evening indicating he wouldn't be able to make the 9 a.m. court date because bad weather was delaying the Digby ferry.

Judge William Grant wasn't buying the excuse. He said poor weather had been in the forecast for some timeand Ross should have made arrangements to ensure he would be in St. Andrews on time.

Grant has issued an arrest warrant for Ross with Nova Scotia RCMP.