By Jasmine Franklin
After a failed attempt to hot-wire a car to keep warm, a man has been fined for breaking into First Choice Automotive.
On Dec. 11 in Ponoka provincial court, Trevor Russell, originally of Saskatchewan, pleaded guilty to break and enter and creating mischief. He was fined $500 for the break and enter charges, as well as $465 in damages to the property.
Court heard that the 28-year-old man had been dropped off on Highway 2A while hitchhiking the night of Oct.11. Russell told police he had been trying to get Highway 2 to reach the Super8 motel, but got too cold.
Russell broke the front gate lock to First Choice Automotive and attempted to start a vehicle. When that vehicle didn’t start, court heard he went to another vehicle where, in efforts of starting the truck, he punched out the ignition. Those damages alone were $285.
When RCMP approached Russell he told them he was cold and trying to warm up. Court heard temperatures ranged between -3 and -5 degrees C that evening and the man had been dressed in a winter coat.
Russell has a previous criminal record and a history of substance abuse. Court was told when his personal life began to unravel his drug use became more frequent and he became depressed.
He will be moving back in with his parents in efforts to kick his drug habit and will be given four months to pay the penalties.
Hockey dad dispute ends with fisticuffs
What started as a regular hockey game ended in a one-year ban from the Ponoka arena and a six-month probation for a hockey dad Dec. 11.
On Nov. 15, Bradley Tywoniuk and Wade Raugust duked it out after what Raugust said was 20 minutes of insults against him and his family.
Raugust told the courtroom on Dec. 11 that the insults from Tywoniuk to Raugust were “vulgur” and “disgusting.” After about 20 minutes Raugust said he had enough and turned around and punched Tywoniuk.
A fight broke out between the men and ended in causing disturbance charges against both men.
Raugust pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months probation in addition to 40 hours community service work within a four-month period. He will not receive a criminal record and has been told to remain away from the arena as a spectator for one year.
Drunk driver slammed behind bars
One drunk driver has been sentenced to six months in jail and a three-year minimum driving suspension Dec. 11.
Dennis Whitebear, 23, was caught driving drunk on Highway 53 east while already serving a 40-month driving suspension for previous drunk driving charges.
The father of two was pulled over by Ponoka RCMP and gave the officer an incorrect first name. He will spend six months in jail in addition to serving a three-year driving suspension in addition to the previous 40-month suspension.
Whitebear had three prior convictions.