WESTLOCK – A man facing an attempted murder charge was sentenced on a mischief and two failing to appear in court charges from an unrelated incident a year prior.
Tanner William Nelson, 30, appeared by CCTV from Edmonton Remand Centre in Barrhead Court of Justice on Dec. 18. He pleaded guilty to mischief and two counts of failing to appear in court. A charge of possession of property valued at more than $5,000 obtained by crime was withdrawn.
Court heard that in September 2023 Nelson was caught by RCMP using a meth pipe inside the lobby of the Bank of Montreal in Westlock. Damage was done inside of the lobby area and Nelson was charged with mischief under $5,000.
He then failed to appear twice this year in Westlock Court of Justice on May 22 and July 24.
Crown prosecutor Frances Wallace asked the court for 10 days in jail on the mischief charge and 10 days consecutive on the two fail to appear in court charges.
“The damage to the BMO lobby was not insignificant,” said Wallace. “It’s a public place.”
Defence Gary Smith argued for a fine instead saying that his client didn’t have a criminal record, has addiction and mental health issues and was homeless.
“He was residing on streets and sleeping in bushes.”
Justice B. R. Garriock fined Nelson a total of $700.
Nelson is facing an attempted murder charge stemming from an incident on Aug. 23 after Westlock RCMP were dispatched to a report of a stabbing at a home off Highway 44 near Township Road 603. A publication ban on the matter is in effect.
