Troubled thief helped himself to thousands worth of tools, court hears

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A young Moncton man who’s had a difficult life will serve some jail time for a break and enter and other offences, with the judge hoping he can straighten himself out and stay out of trouble.

Provincial court Judge Luc Labonté told the offender he’s sympathetic to the offender’s plight: being homeless for much of his entire adult life, as well as addicted to crystal meth and fentanyl.

Johnathan Russel Wilson, 24, was sentenced Friday to 90 days in jail, less time than requested by the Crown, and a year’s probation that will see him be assessed and treated for addiction and mental health issues if required.

The Crown had asked for four months but the judge believed three would suffice.

“I do honestly feel regret,” said the offender. “I want to start fresh, I don’t want to go back to jail and spend my life in a box.”

Wilson earlier pleaded guilty to missing court, breaching probation and identity fraud for pretending he was his brother when police encountered him and asked his name at a time when he had a warrant out for his arrest. The main offence was the break and enter on Aug. 16.

Prosecutor Isabelle Dionne said Wilson walked into a business on Pacific Avenue and was seen later on video pushing a trolley out the door with tools loaded on that were worth between $7,000 and $8,000. Wilson told the court he was on drugs and wasn’t in his right head at the time.