O'Quinn found guilty in confinement case
Crown may move to have convict declared a dangerous offender
A western Newfoundland man has been found guilty of several serious charges, including forcible confinement and uttering death threats.
The verdict against Matthew Francis O'Quinn, 36, was delivered Thursday in provincial court in Stephenville, and represents the latest conviction in a series of violent crimes involving women.
The court was told that O'Quinn forcibly confined a woman at a cabin in Flat Bay.
The woman testified during the trial that when she tried to leave, O'Quinn pointed a rifle at her, and threatened to slit her throat and chop up her daughter.
O'Quinn has had a lengthy criminal history, with more than 40 prior convictions for a range of crimes, including a history of violence against women.
In 2004, he was sent to prison for forcible confinement after he trapped a woman inside a tent for a month.
In 2008, he was convicted of assault. In 2010, he was given a two-year sentence for the forcible confinement and assault of a woman.
The Crown says it may apply to have O'Quinn declared a dangerous offender.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14.