Mark Thompson, 21, was given a suspended sentence in provincial court in Corner Brook on Friday and placed on probation for 12 months for his part in vandalizing a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer’s personal vehicles in Pasadena in July 2012.
Thompson pled guilty to the charge and during a sentencing hearing last week the court heard that the young man, who has had plenty of other run-ins with the law, has made efforts to turn his life around.
Judge Catherine Allen-Westby reiterated those efforts in her written decision which she read to the court.
Thompson has found Christianity, participates in a support group, has stayed sober, distanced himself from people in his past, completed two trades, plans to attend a Bible study course and would like to help others.
The change in him was described as going from being a follower to a leader.
In addition to the mischief charge, Thompson was also sentenced to 90 days incarceration to be served conditionally in the community for five breaches of court orders, including breaking curfews he was bound by under an undertaking and probation order.
Under his conditional sentence Thompson must keep the peace and be of good behaviour; appear in court as required; report to a supervisor within two days of his sentencing; remain in the province; abstain from the use of alcohol or drugs; stay in his residence, except to attend any medical or dental appointments, counselling, church, go to work or school, perform community service or attend any scheduled meetings with his supervisor or lawyer.
He’s allowed outside his home for two hours a day, but those times have to be set in advance by his supervisor.
His probation order will take effect at the completion of his conditional sentence and includes many of the same conditions, except for the restrictions of house arrest. He’s also required to write a letter of apology to his victim. In a victim impact statement the officer spoke of the stress the incident caused him and his family.
Thompson was also ordered to stay away from Michael Flynn and David Flynn. The Pasadena brothers had also been charged in relation to the mischief incident. Michael Flynn’s matters are still before the court and the charges against David Flynn were withdrawn by the Crown in April.
Thompson was also handed a $300 victim fine surcharge and given 30 days to pay it.
He declined making any comment on his sentence after exiting the courtroom.
Thompson still has some other outstanding matters that are now before the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in relation to an impaired driving causing bodily harm charge laid following an April 2013 accident on the Trans-Canada Highway near Little Rapids.
Twitter:@WS_DianeCrocker
