"It's something the citizens are fed-up with, the RCMP spend a great time dealing with, and it's something the court sees day-in and day-out."
Crown prosecutor Renato Di Lorenzo explained how these were among the reasons why the prosecution was seeking 30 days in jail for a first-time offender.
Ashley Lloyd Klassen appeared in the Bonnyville court via CCTV from the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. During his Tuesday, Nov. 5 appearance, he pleaded guilty to resisting a peace officer, mischief causing damage under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of break-in instruments, two counts of theft under $5,000, failing to comply with an undertaking, and three counts of failing to appear in court.
Although Klassen was before the court with a long-list of charges, Di Lorenzo stressed the 36-year-old didn't previously hold a criminal record.
That fact changed following the 30-day jail sentence, however, noted Honourable Judge Robert Shaigec.
According to Di Lorenzo, Klassen's first run-in with police was on Feb. 3, when Cold Lake RCMP were called to Legends about a fight in progress.
On their way their, a female flagged down police, pointing to a U-Haul stopped at a red light nearby. The woman told officers the two men inside had just siphoned the gas from the vehicle.
Police pulled over the van and noted a gas can between the two front seats. Strewn about the rear of the U-Haul were tools that could be used for breaking and entering.
Further investigation led officers to five cheques made out to the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce, which were later confirmed as stolen from the chamber's mailbox.
When RCMP approached the U-Haul, Klassen fled on foot and was arrested a short distance later by police.
Several months later, on May 21, Bonnyville RCMP were contacted by a local liquor store after a male stole three bottles of vodka.
Video surveillance reviewed by police helped them identify Klassen as the suspect.
Klassen committed the same offence at the same store on June 28. Video footage showed him entering the store and hiding a bottle of vodka in his sweater, before leaving.
He was arrested June 22 and admitted to RCMP he had stolen the alcohol.
Hart Spencer, acting duty counsel, described the 30-day sentence as "fair and appropriate."
Klassen had been in prison for 39 days, and was granted time-served.
