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90 days jail for threats to mother

Struggles with alcohol landed a 53-year-old Ponoka man with a 90 day jail sentence.

Struggles with alcohol landed a 53-year-old Ponoka man with a 90 day jail sentence.

Wayne McQuiston appeared in Ponoka provincial court Friday, March 11 by CCTV and pleaded guilty to several charges of uttering threats and breaching of conditions.

The series of events that led to the charges occurred over the course of a few months at a rural Ponoka home, explained crown prosecutor Steve Degen.

The first incident was Dec. 5 when a call to police requested assistance stating McQuiston’s mother was threatened. Upon arrival, police found a half empty bottle of vodka and McQuiston passed out on the bed.

Two days later police received another call that McQuiston was passed out on the floor. At that point, McQuiston was on conditions not to drink and not to be at home, explained Degen.

The police report states McQuiston refused to leave and he was heard swearing at his mother and step-father. He made further threatening remarks and swore at his mother and the police, said Degen.

Almost eight weeks, later police were called to the same residence with the caller stating McQuiston was arguing with his step father. Degen said the police report showed while being escorted out of the house McQuiston threatened to kill his mother.

Police were again called to the same residence Feb. 12 after a follow up under the Ponoka RCMP’s suppression project, said Degen.

McQuiston was again located at the home intoxicated. “Again bound by conditions and recognizance at this point,” said Degen.

On Feb. 26 a further call from the residence of McQuiston’s mother was received asking police to remove him from the home.

“We’ve been dealing with him for the last several months,” Degen told Judge William Andreassen.

“Throughout all of this, he’s had nothing but contempt of orders from the court,” added Degen.

He suggested that alcohol was a large factor in the incidents, and feels McQuiston needs to sort out his problems with alcohol.

“If he doesn’t, we’re going to see him in a month’s time or whatever it’s going to be,” said Degen.

Duty counsel David Paull agreed with the challenges McQuiston faces. “Obviously, this is a man in some distress,” said Paull.

He added that the family would like to see McQuiston and he is generally pleasant to be around when not drinking. The mother and step-father have mentioned to Paull that they do not feel their personal safety is at risk.

After serving 39 days in jail over the last few months, Paull requested McQuiston be given time and a half credit at 59 days of the 90 recommended by Degen.

When asked if he had any comments on the incidents, McQuiston replied that a struggling economy had a negative effect on his business and livelihood.

“Ever since this economy went down, I have lost three great big brand new homes that had to be painted that’s why I turned to the bottle,” said McQuiston.

He expressed a desire to deal with his issues.

Judge Andreassen stated that McQuiston breached a trust with his parents.

“It seems plain to me that if you continue to drink you’ll get in trouble and you’ll continue to go to jail,” said Andreassen.

He ordered 90 days jail with 59 days served and suggested McQuiston take advantage of the services at the jail.