Prison time for assaults

Sydney Mines man beat up girfriend, inmate at provincial jail

A Sydney Mines man who beat his girlfriend along with an inmate at a provincial jail is going back to prison to serve a 23-month sentence.

Kevin Thomas Forrest, 21, was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of assault causing bodily harm, three counts of breaching court orders and a single count of careless use of a weapon.

In addition to the jail sentence, Forrest is also to complete an 18-month probation period, is prohibited from possessing weapons for 10 years and restricted weapons for life and must supply a DNA sample to the national registry.

“Our record is absolutely shocking,” said provincial

“Why did you feel the need to beat a fellow prisoner? You kicked him in the head when he was down. That’s how people die.’’

Provincial court Judge Ann Marie MacInnes

court Judge Ann Marie MacInnes, noting the accused has amassed multiple convictions for such offences as robbery and assault with a weapon.

“Why did you feel the need to beat a fellow prisoner? You kicked him in the head when he was down. That’s how people die,” said the judge.

“You also beat your partner. You decided to use your fists against someone you loved,” said MacInnes, prior to accepting the joint Crown/ defence sentencing recommendation.

Prosecutor Mark Gouthro told the court the inmate suffered a broken nose as a result of being attacked by Forrest while his girlfriend, who continues to be supportive of Forrest, also suffered a nose injury along with bruising and other facial injuries.

When police arrested Forrest for the assault involving his girlfriend, they also discovered a loaded shotgun in the home where the assault occurred.

At the time, Forrest was on conditions to refrain from alcohol and drugs along with not possessing any weapons.

The judge cautioned Forrest that any continuation of such offences would only result in longer jail sentences.

“If this type of behaviour continues, you will be institutionalized. The focus will shift from rehabilitation to deterrents,” she said.

She told Forrest she felt the sentence was at the low end of the range but that it was not contrary to public interest.

“Don’t leave here today thinking this will happen again in the future,” she cautioned, in reference to the length of sentence.

Forrest was also given 85 days credit for his time spent on remand that reduced the total sentence to 20 months.