Addictions, mental illness prevent man from receiving full treatment

Mental health and addiction issues have fueled many of Shane Lorance Stephens’ recent problems, including an inability to receive treatment and run-ins with the justice system.

Stephens, 30, is an inpatient at the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and was unable to attend Moose Jaw provincial court on April 20. Instead, Legal Aid lawyer Suzanne Jeanson handled his situation and explained to Judge Brian Hendrickson the challenges the man faces. Mental illness is Stephens’ main problem, followed by addictions, which includes the use of crystal meth, she said. Stephens has struggled to receive regular treatment in the community since his mental illness is too complex for drug treatment centres to handle, while he is unable to stay sober long enough to receive help from mental health services. His last offence was this past October, continued Jeanson. After that he briefly went to the

Wakamow Detox Centre, followed by some time in the hospital’s mental health ward. Once released, Stephens went to live with his grandparents in Lucky Lake. One reason Stephens is in the hospital now — and can remain there — is to become sober; once that happens, he can get back into the Teen Challenge Saskatchewan program, which helps people overcome drug addictions, said Jeanson.

Jeanson asked Judge Hendrickson to waive any surcharges since Stephens is unemployable and wouldn’t be able to pay.

Jeanson noted Stephens understood the allegations against him and wanted to take responsibility and pleaded guilty to some of them, including:

• Three fail to attend court charges;

• One fail to report charge;

• Three thefts under $5,000;

• Five breaches of probation;

• One break and enter;

• One count of knowingly conveying a threat;

• One charge of possessing an illegal substance.

The Crown stayed 21 other charges against Stephens. Judge Hendrickson accepted the joint submission recommended by the Crown and defence. Stephens had already spent 86 actual days in jail but was credited with 129 days based on the court’s 1.5 days credit system. His time in jail was considered time served.

He also received a 30-day sentence on all other guilty charges, but those sentences were considered to have been served concurrently during his time in jail. For his charge of possession, he received a five-day concurrent sentence.

Hendrickson also agreed to waive the victim surcharge.