SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A Summerside man is heading to jail for mischief, petty theft and breach of an undertaking after he vandalized a police vehicle using a mug bearing a picture of Princess Diana.
Adrian Steven Gallant, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property, breach of probation, two breaches of an undertaking and two mischief charges for incidents occurring between June and September.
The court heard that on June 17 at 6 a.m., a Summerside police officer on the way to work found the taillight of one of the vehicles was broken. The vehicle was parked outside the police station. A Princess Diana mug was on the ground nearby.
The mug was checked for fingerprints. They belonged to Gallant who was then charged with mischief.
Gallant remembers the night he broke the police vehicle taillight “as if it were a dream,” said defence attorney Trish Cheverie.
On July 5, Gallant entered a residential garage on Park Street through an unlocked door. He went through the vehicle inside and took $500 in gift cards. He also took a $75 power bank and a Mastercraft drill worth $150.
Gallant was again identified by fingerprints at the scene and was charged with mischief.
On July 28 and Sept 17, Gallant breached an undertaking by breaking curfew. On Sept. 17, he was also found in possession of stolen property.
On Sept. 14 he was charged with theft under $5,000 for taking a tagging gun from HMS Office Supplies.
Gallant also missed a meeting with his probation officer over the summer and so breached the conditions of his probation.
“Mr. Gallant has mental health issues, keeping appointments with probation was difficult,” said Crown attorney John Diamond, adding he had shown up afterward to check in.
Defence attorney Trish Cheverie said Gallant is making progress in dealing with his mental health issues and is seeking help for addiction.
“He was quite insightful when we spoke today. He said, ‘You know, I wouldn’t be stealing and doing these things if it wasn’t for my addiction,’” said Cheverie. “He’s never received addiction treatment, even though it’s been ordered in the past.”
Cheverie said Gallant does want to be off drugs.
Gallant is looking to turn over a new leaf.
“I’m grateful things haven’t turned out as horrendous this time,” he said, by video link in the provincial correctional facility. “I really think this is going to be a new life for me.”
Diamond and Cheverie made a joint recommendation of 60 days, the total of several sentences.
Judge Krista MacKay agreed with the recommendation. Gallant has been in remand since mid-September and was given 20 days of credit for time served. MacKay waived any restitution and victim surcharges. Gallant will also serve 12 months of probation.
