Second chance

Judge gives Jarred Scott Dingwell time to show he can follow probation order

A Summerside man who failed to follow the conditions of his probation gets a few months to show he can turn things around.

Jarred Scott Dingwell appeared before Judge John Douglas in provincial court in Charlottetown Monday for sentencing after he breached the conditions of his probation.

The charge stemmed from Dingwell failing to meet several mandatory appointments.

Dingwell has a criminal record that includes cocaine trafficking, for which he was sentenced to eight months in jail as part of the Operation Clean Sweep investigation.

The court heard Dingwell recently moved to the Summerside area with a goal of moving out west for work.

Dingwell told the court he felt like his life had gone downhill quickly, but he finally felt like he could kick his cocaine addiction.

He said he was working to pay off a $1,000 fine so he could move.

The court also heard a report from Dingwell’s probation officer, who said he was co-operative, polite and had potential.

Douglas said it was clear Dingwell needed help and no addiction is easy to shake.

While he agreed with the Crown that jail time would normally be appropriate, Douglas adjourned the case to give Dingwell time to show he could make efforts to report as necessary.

Douglas also noted the job market in western Canada was “pretty grim.”

Dingwell will be back in court March 29 when the court will get an update from his probation officer.