SUMMERSIDE — A 22-year-old Summerside man, who stole his grandmother’s car and later got into an accident, causing more than $10,000 in damage, is going to jail.
Joshua James Jenkins was sentenced in Summerside provincial court Tuesday on the theft charge and on single counts of break and enter and breaching probation.
He pleaded guilty to the charged during a court appearance in September.
Sentencing had been adjourned to allow for a presentence report to be prepared.
The first incident, the break and enter, took place on June 15.
At around 11 p.m., the victim called 911 to report that Jenkins had broke into his friend’s apartment and attacked him.
Jenkins went into the apartment building behind a pizza delivery person, entered the apartment, that of a woman he knew, and began arguing with the male victim.
Jenkins elbowed the man in the face and ripped his shirt before leaving.
He was arrested that night.
The theft of the vehicle occurred on July 18.
Shortly after midnight, Jenkins, who had been drinking and staying at his grandmother’s home, took the keys of her 2010 Chevrolet Aveo and left.
Several hours later, just before 5:30 a.m., he got into an accident on Route 2 in Springvale. Jenkins pulled out of a parking lot and into an oncoming vehicle, causing more than $10,000 to both vehicles, $9,400 of which was to his grandmother’s car.
The probation breach happened in August. Jenkins was under an order to stay away from his grandmother’s residence and was found by police in the home.
Jenkins had prior convictions for assault and damage to property.
The Crown and defence recommended time behind bars and probation.
Jenkins’ lawyer, Trish Cheverie, in detailing the presentence report, said he had a difficult upbringing and is struggling with mental health and addictions issues.
She said despite his issues he is a hard worker and has held down a job in the mussel industry since 2008.
“He has the capacity to do well.”
Judge Jeff Lantz called the break-in serious and the damage caused during the theft of his grandmother’s car substantial.
He sentenced Jenkins to a total of 90 days behind bars, to be served on weekends. Jenkins must also pay $250 in victim fine surcharges and will be on probation for 18 months, during which time he must undergo assessment, counselling and treatment for any mental health, anger or additions issues.
Jenkins was ordered not to have contact with the victim in the break-in.
