Penticton man deemed ‘social nuisance’ breaches conditions with Valentine’s Day beer

PENTICTON – A man once described by a Penticton prosecutor as a “social nuisance” and by a Penticton judge as “incorrigible” appeared in court again this morning.

Gerzson Kovacs, 67, appeared before judge Gale Sinclair in Penticton court today, Feb. 15, after he breached conditions by entering a liquor store and purchasing a beer.

Kovacs was given a year in jail in early 2016 after causing 275 police contacts over the course of his residency in Penticton, including a Sept. 3, 2015 incident in which he was arrested for throwing buns at patrons at Cherry Lane Mall and causing a disturbance.

Crown prosecutor Nashina Devji said police arrested Kovacs after observing him entering the Riverside Liquor Store yesterday, Feb. 14, leaving the store with a beer. Devji said Kovacs was cooperative with police, telling them he returned some empties and purchased the Valentine’s Day beer.

Devji asked the judge for a three day jail sentence or time served.

“You’ve been pretty good,” judge Sinclair noted of Kovacs’ recent behaviour and accepted Crown’s sentencing recommendation.

Kovacs has six weeks remaining on his probation.

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