The judge fined Schmidt 5 thousand dollars, and told him he had to pay 50 thousand dollars in court costs…. faced by York region in prosecuting him.
The decision came in a FAX to Schmidt this week (Tuesday) and he tells Bayshore Broadcasting news he has no intention of paying the fine or the court costs.
Shmidt has run a co-operative organic dairy farm for more than 20 years.
York Region officials accuse him of selling or distributing the product, even after a court order not to do so.
Selling raw, or unpasteurized, milk is illegal in Canada because health officials say it carries the risks of spreading salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
Schmidt defended himself in the case.
Early next year, his trial in which he faces 20 charges laid by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Grey-Bruce Health Unit will begin.
Schmidt says how can he be found guilty of contempt of court, when his case on selling raw milk hasn’t been heard in court yet.
He says it’s up to the court to decide what to do next, because he won’t pay the fine.
