ISLAND MAN WHO HID IN WOMAN’S CLOSET JAILED

Romey Anthony Harper pleaded guilty to being unlawfully in a dwelling, missing court date

A 51-year-old man who was found hiding in a woman’s closet when she came home was sentenced Wednesday to 70 days in jail.

Romey Anthony Harper appeared before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to being unlawfully in a dwelling and failing to attend court.

In sentencing Harper, Orr said he had a significant impact on the victim.

During a previous appearance, the court heard a woman came home to find her cat looking at her closet where Harper was hiding.

Harper was the woman’s neighbour and told her he went into her apartment to let her cat in.

He told police he was looking around the woman’s apartment to make sure she wasn’t hurt after he saw her door was open.

The woman told police her door wasn’t left open.

Harper has been in custody since his arrest for missing a court appearance.

On Wednesday, defence lawyer Thane MacEachern told the court Harper appreciates the impact he had on the victim and acknowledges he was in her apartment without permission.

MacEachern told the court Harper was in a farm accident on Jan. 17 when his hand got pulled into a grader and he lost part of his thumb.

In February, Harper got an infection while in jail and there was concern he might lose his thumb if there are any more problems, MacEachern said.

Orr gave Harper credit of 60 days for time spent in custody since his arrest, leaving him with 10 days still to serve.

Harper will be on probation for two years, which includes conditions that he have no contact with the victim unless his probation officer consents.

He must also write an apology letter to the victim.