Woman receives custodial sentence for stolen property

A Lethbridge woman caught with stolen property earlier this year has received a custodial sentence, but one that will keep her out of jail.

Jennifer Ann Isaacs was handed a six-month conditional sentence Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court, where she pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of stolen property.

The sentence will allow Isaacs to serve her term under house arrest, during which she can only be away from her home for specific reasons, which include shopping, attending medical appointments or going to work. She must also receive counselling and abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances, and she is prohibited from possessing firearms and other weapons.

Court was told Isaacs was caught last July in possession of a stolen pickup truck, a holiday trailer, a wallet and credit card. Her partner was also charged and previously received a jail sentence.

Crown prosecutor Vaughan Hartigan said the crimes were particularly aggravating because of the value of the stolen property. But because Isaacs has a small, unrelated criminal record and doesn’t pose a threat to the community, he recommended house arrest. She was also fined $800.

Lethbridge lawyer Tyler Raymond said his client recognizes what she did is wrong, and always planned to accept responsibility for her actions. She also recognizes her need for treatment and counselling.

“Treatment is very important to her,” Raymond said.

Following her conditional sentence, Isaacs will be on probation for one year, during which she must receive counselling as directed by her probation officer.