ATHABASCA — A Lac La Biche local was left with four days to serve of a 150-day sentence after tossing a 20-pound propane tank and more out of a stolen vehicle on the highway and a confrontation with a family member resulted in his arrest.
Daniel Cardinal, 24, was given a 150-day sentence for guilty pleas to single counts of break and enter into a non-residential building, unlawfully being in a house, failure to appear, and obstructing a peace officer in Athabasca Court of Justice Dec. 9.
Justice Joanne Heudes noted Cardinal’s time served at the Edmonton Remand Centre before resolution meant he was given credit for 146 days.
“He’s had some struggles but he does have the focus of getting his life sorted out,” Denise Lightning, Cardinal’s defence, told court. “He is quite young, and he expects to, upon release, be in Edmonton,” with a hope of pursuing support programs, she added.
The convictions stem from three separate incidents; the first took place on Aug. 5 of this year when a father-daughter duo were out checking trap lines on their property in Calling Lake. The pair were notified by trail cams of a black SUV entering and exiting one property, equipped with their two fishing boats and trailer on the way out.
When the father and daughter returned to the site later that day, they noticed fresh tracks and the same black SUV returning. After watching it enter and exit again, the pair followed the eastbound vehicle on the highway, from which tools, a propane tank, saddles and other items were thrown.
RCMP were contacted and met the vehicles between Plamondon and Lac La Biche, where they conducted a high-risk takedown, resulting in the arrest of the driver, determined to be Daniel Cardinal.
Officers found a loaded harpoon or speargun in the SUV, and the vehicle was found to be stolen out of Lethbridge, Alta. A number of items, such as the saddles, fishing boats, and trailer, were returned to the family.
On August 12, Cardinal failed to appear in Athabasca Court for a mandatory date, and in September, Cardinal was in Beaver Lake east of Lac La Biche when he visited his uncle’s house uninvited and helped himself to a cup of coffee.
After an exchange that left his uncle concerned for his safety, a threat to call the police prompted Cardinal to leave. When RCMP arrived and located Cardinal, he ran away from police, and was later found at another property in Beaver Lake where he was arrested.
Crown prosecutor Matthew Kerr asked Heudes for an overall sentence of 260 days, highlighting Cardinals criminal record, which Kerr described as moderate and recent.
“Rural property crime is a major problem in the Calling Lake area,” he told Heudes. “You’re often up here as the Justice so I’m sure you’re well aware of the issues that we have up here with that,” said Kerr.
While Cardinal waived his right to a formal Gladue report, Lightning did make submissions about his early childhood and home life. She noted Cardinal was raised by his grandparents and his aunt, and spent time in a group home as a young man.
Lightning also submitted although her client does not drink alcohol, he has turned to drugs like meth and cannabis.
“(He) really is hoping with the proper supports that he can turn his life into something productive and live a good life,” said Lightning.
While Heudes agreed with Kerr about the prevalence of property crime in the area, she opted for a lesser sentence than his ask, and left Cardinal with words of warning and encouragement.
“You do have a limited record. I caution you; activities like this make it larger, you understand every time the consequences go up,” said Heudes.
“Your struggles with ADHD have led you down this path as well, and you really lacked that family support that would have probably taken you on a different path.”
