P.E.I. man goes to the beach, breaches conditional sentence

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A visit to the seashore whereas on home arrest has led to a few months in jail for a P.E.I. man.

“And also you went for a swim,” mentioned Crown legal professional John Diamond to the accused – Taylor Jordan Rooney Betts – at a listening to on July 20 in provincial courtroom in Charlottetown concerning the conditional sentence breach. 

“I did, sir,” replied Betts, 32, who added that he believed he was allowed to go to Victoria on July 18 to assist somebody set up a stress water tank at her cottage. After doing the work, which took about quarter-hour, he went into the water as a result of it was sizzling exterior.

Conditional sentence imposed

On April 20, Chief Choose Jeff Lantz sentenced Betts to a 16-month conditional sentence involving home arrest. The sentence was comprised of 12 months for possessing crystal methamphetamine for trafficking functions, 4 months consecutive for theft of two gold and diamond bracelets from Allure Diamond Middle in Charlottetown valued over $5,000, two four-month concurrent conditional sentences for theft of garments valued below $5,000 and possession of a stolen motorbike. Betts was additionally sentenced to 18 months of probation as soon as the conditional sentence expired.

Betts pleaded responsible to the offences.

On the April 20 sentencing, the provincial and federal Crown attorneys requested jail for the offences, together with seven to 10 months for the drug matter. 

Previous to sentencing on these issues, Betts had been launched from custody since Aug. 8, 2022, and adopted strict situations with out a breach, together with digital monitoring, a curfew and weekly reporting to police. Betts additionally took remedy applications on the Provincial Addictions Remedy Facility in Mount Herbert and at Talbot Home. As nicely, Betts accomplished the Profession Bridges Program and did a job placement at Talbot Home that concerned talking with a gaggle of addicts on Fridays to assist them flip their lives round. 

Lantz agreed with the defence’s place that Betts had undergone a outstanding turnaround and appeared to have his addictions below management. A jail sentence may undo these efforts, and he could possibly be extra of a hazard to the neighborhood as soon as launched from custody if he relapsed, Lantz mentioned.  

The decide additionally cautioned {that a} breach on the conditional sentence order may lead to Betts serving any time remaining on the sentence in jail. 

The 16-month conditional sentence included necessities that Betts put on an digital monitoring bracelet and stay inside a residence always until he had prior approval from his supervisor for appointments, counselling and employment functions. He was additionally required to journey on to his residence from any licensed absences. 

Different unauthorized absences

On the July 20 listening to, Betts’ conditional sentence supervisor testified that she met with him a number of weeks earlier on July 7 and warned him about different unauthorized absences, particularly a drive to Panmure Island with a feminine buddy and consuming at a Thai restaurant. 

The supervisor additionally testified about knowledge from Betts’ digital monitoring bracelet on July 18 exhibiting that he was at Sobeys in Charlottetown after which in Victoria. Neither journey was accredited by the supervisor. The information additionally confirmed that he went within the water in Victoria whereas nonetheless sporting his digital monitoring bracelet. 

Betts additionally spoke on the listening to. He defined that he had been working for a roofing and renovations firm in mid-July however stopped due to considerations with the work atmosphere. Since he was accredited for that work, he assumed that he was additionally accredited to do the “odd job” for the girl in Victoria. 

Betts mentioned one of the best factor for him is to proceed with the conditional sentence. He mentioned on July 20 that he was beginning a full-time job the next week. Betts additionally continues to take alcohol and narcotics counselling, and his one-year of sobriety was approaching. 

Betts represented himself on the listening to.

Lantz denied Diamond’s and federal Crown legal professional Jacob Zelman’s request to terminate the conditional sentence altogether and have Betts serve the remaining time in a jail cell. As a substitute, Lantz suspended the conditional sentence and ordered Betts to serve three months of it in jail.  As soon as the jail time period is over, the sentence will return to being served in the neighborhood. 

“Any breaches from then on, just about depend on the conditional sentence order being terminated,” Lantz advised Betts. 

Terrence McEachern is a justice reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. He may be reached by electronic mail at [email protected] and may be adopted on Twitter @terry_mcn.