This Ontario ruling may be the most compelling judicial decision you'll ever read
A wise judge tells a story combining sociological insight with the details of a minor crime, creating a new narrative style that could be called Rural Ontario Gothic. The ruling, His Majesty the King and Neil Valliant, was issued on October 21, 2025, in Pembroke, Ontario by Justice J.R. Richardson, who vividly recounts an incident revealing deep social context despite no physical injuries.
Incident Overview
On February 12, 2025, shortly before 11:45 p.m., the peaceful village of Westmeath was shattered by three disturbing sounds:
- The blaring of a car alarm
- The report of a shotgun blast
- The report of another shotgun blast
Neil Valliant was asleep at home in Westmeath, having consumed too much alcohol. His rest was disturbed by his neighbor's F-150’s car alarm. Frustrated and impaired by drink, he reacted impulsively.
“Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.”
The judge’s narrative sheds light on the complexity beneath an ordinary-seeming event, blending factual recounting with a compelling storytelling style.
Author’s Summary
This ruling paints a vivid picture of rural life disrupted by late-night chaos, told through a judicial lens that combines legal facts with social observation.