Kelowna Judge Warns Prolific Offender to Not Waste Break Given
A Kelowna judge has issued a stern warning to a prolific offender in the area, urging them to not waste the opportunity given to them.
The offender, who has not been named, appeared in court on Wednesday for sentencing on multiple charges, including theft, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation.
According to Crown counsel Colin Forsyth, the offender has a lengthy criminal record with over 50 prior convictions, and has been in and out of jail for the past 20 years.
In light of this, Judge Ellen Burdett gave the offender a break by sentencing them to a 90-day intermittent jail term, meaning they will serve their sentence on weekends.
However, Judge Burdett made it clear that this was a chance for the offender to turn their life around and not waste the opportunity given to them.
“You have a long history of criminal behavior and it’s time for you to make a change,” Judge Burdett said to the offender. “This is your chance to break the cycle and make a positive change in your life.”
The judge also reminded the offender that their actions have consequences not only for themselves, but also for the community.
“You need to understand that your actions have a ripple effect on society,” Judge Burdett stated. “You have a responsibility to yourself and to the community to make better choices.”
The offender was also ordered to complete 18 months of probation and to attend counseling for substance abuse and mental health issues.
Judge Burdett’s warning serves as a reminder that the justice system is not just about punishment, but also about rehabilitation and giving individuals a chance to turn their lives around.
It is now up to the offender to take this warning seriously and make the necessary changes to become a productive member of society.
