Probation only for man who started campground grassfire

A lenient sentence of two years probation was granted Wednesday to a man who started a grassfire by the Gas City Campground early this year, in the hopes he can continue making steps down the right path.

“The pre-sentencing report played a large role in the Crown’s position,” said the prosecutor on why they agreed to a two-year probation period for Wesley Vanbocquestal, instead of jail time, which had originally been sought.

Emergency crews were called to the field beside the Gas City Campground on Feb. 18 due to reports of a fire. Vanbocquestal, who was 61 at the time, was found hiding in a nearby bush, with the items he had used to start the fire, and it spreading around him.

Vanbocquestal originally was charged with arson, but pled down to the lesser charge of mischief earlier this year.

The PSR highlighted longstanding issues including addiction and mental health that had spiraled, but also showed how over the past six months the man has been “actively addressing” his problems, said defence counsel, including significant changes in his life, and maintaining his sobriety. Vanbocquestal has agreed to continue treatment as part of his probation.

“It is that it appears the accused has turned a corner,” said the Crown, and they don’t want to hinder this progress.

A probation order will help protect the public, Crown said, and it will “allow us to keep an eye on him, and help him with his progress.”