Two of the Rotary tent slashers were sentenced in Revelstoke court last week, while the third youth charged in the matter also made an appearance.
The two youth had already plead guilty to mischief causing damage greater than $5,000 stemming from a July 28 incident that saw an estimated $16,000 in damage done to six tents owned by the Revelstoke Rotary Club.
Last Wednesday, Dec. 7, they were in court for sentencing, two days after they were confronted by members of the Rotary Club in a Restorative Justice Circle.
“By all accounts it went very well,” crown prosecutor Greg Koturbash told the court, referring to the justice circle. “I guess the future will tell if the [youths] were sincere in what they said.”
The court was told the youths were up to trouble that night but that they also quickly confessed when confronted by police about what they had done.
“It speaks well that both these young men came forth at the first instance,” defence lawyer Chris Johnston said.
Judge Edmund de Walle called the youth’s actions “incredibly stupid.”
“My hope is you have learned a very good lesson here and you will not be back before the courts again,” he said.
He handed them both 18 months probation with the condition they write an apology to Rotary, write an essay explaining the impact of their actions, abide by a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., attend school regularly and participate in any activities directed by the youth worker.
He also prohibited them from using drugs or alcohol and from carrying a knife. Finally, he ordered they perform 50 hours of community service each.
The third youth charged in the matter also appeared in court but he did not make a plea, saying he had been sick lately and was still seeking counsel.
The youth cannot be identified due to provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Drug dealer receives house arrest
A man who plead guilty to selling marijuana and ecstasy received a 10 month conditional sentence, including five months house arrest, in Revelstoke court last Wednesday.
Justin M. Strano, originally from Peterborough, Ont., was arrested on Feb. 2, 2010, after a search of his residence uncovered 100 grams of marijuana and 100 capsules of Ecstasy.
Ecstasy is a lesser drug but still very serious, Federal prosecutor Nick Vlahos told the court. He added that Strano did admit responsibility and had no prior criminal record.
Strano’s lawyer Melissa Klages said he took up selling drugs while he was unemployed. Since the incident he has started working in the oil fields in Alberta.
“He immediately changed his life when he realized the seriousness of those charges and what he had done,” she said, adding that he also reconnected with his estranged family.
Judge Edmond de Walle handed down a 10 month conditional sentence, with house arrest for the first five months. Amongst the conditions of the sentence are that Strano avoid drugs and alcohol. De Walle also ordered a 10 year firearm prohibition.