An Edmonton senior spent 48 days behind bars after stealing a charity donation tin from a local pet store.
Robert Allan Skakum, 66, pleaded guilty Monday to theft under $5,000 and was sentenced to 48 days behind bars, with credit for time served in pre-sentence custody.
He and his adult son entered Paradise Pet Centre on St. Albert Trail on April 17. While his son distracted staff, Skakum grabbed a donation tin for the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society from the counter and concealed it under his jacket before exiting the store.
More than one week later, he was arrested on another charge and was found in possession of an “unusually large” amount of change and the pet store’s business card, said Crown prosecutor Doug Taylor.
“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree,” said lawyer Mark Grotski, adding Skakum's son received 60 days in jail for the offence.
He argued, however, that despite his client’s long record, his medical conditions warranted release. He said Skakum suffered from severe diabetes and said it is believed he suffered a stroke while in custody.
“I think the man's future is going to be preoccupied on health concerns,” he said.
Taylor said Skakum's record is atrocious and asked Judge Bruce Garriock to impose a longer jail term.
A Fort Saskatchewan man is getting mental health help after spending nearly four months behind bars.
Devon Nolan Leclerc, 23, appeared in St. Albert Provincial Court via closed-circuit television from the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre Monday where he pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property, being a passenger in a stolen vehicle and failing to comply with release conditions.
Staff from the St. Albert Boston Pizza restaurant contacted police Aug. 30 with concerns that three patrons were planning to leave without paying their tab.
When RCMP arrived, Leclerc was passed out in his chair. Police determined the trio arrived at the establishment in a stolen truck, which contained numerous stolen documents.
Leclerc has been behind bars since the offence date, and was given credit for 79 days in pre-sentence custody – the remaining time served was for other charges. He was also handed an 18-month probation term.
While in jail, Leclerc was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder. Upon release, he is expected to undergo treatment at a dual diagnosis centre in Ponoka.
“I realize that I need help and I'd like to deal with this because it’s becoming unmanageable,” Leclerc said.
Crown prosecutor John Donahoe withdrew remaining charges for possession of stolen property, two charges of mischief and one charge of driving with no insurance.
A St. Albert man faces a fine and probation for stealing money from his then-girlfriend’s bank account.
Christopher C. Bonner, 31, pleaded guilty to fraud under $5,000 for using the woman’s debit card to withdraw $500 from her account.
Bonner has a lengthy criminal record with the last property offence dating back to 2004. At that time, he stole a credit card and was sentenced to one day in jail.
Garriock handed Bonner a $1,000 fine, six months probation and ordered him to pay back the stolen funds.
