GEORGETOWN, P.E.I. — A man with mental health issues pleaded with a judge to “send me somewhere I can get help.’’
Vernon Blakewood pleaded guilty in provincial court in Georgetown recently to common assault and criminal harassment. He was sentenced to two months and four months, respectively. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
Blakewood’s lawyer said the man is determined to address his addictions and mental health concerns.
Blakewood stood in court to apologize to the victim, her family, the court and his own family.
“I see changes in myself,’’ he said.
He noted he had been hotheaded in the past in not sticking with treatment and counselling but added he feels better equipped to address his issues now.
He sat crying, wiping his eyes, as he awaited his sentence.
Clearly, he was not pleased with the judge’s decision.
He went from pleading for help to lashing out at the judge.
He said he will lose his job thanks to the sentence and complained that he never gets any help in jail for his mental health issues.
“I just hope you drop by the jail and see how my mental health is doing,’’ he told the judge.
“You don’t give a shit about my mental health.’’
