Man caught breaking into vehicle jailed

Jonathan Joseph Trainor sentenced to 60 days

A P.E.I. man who was caught in the act as he tried to pry open a vehicle’s door was sentenced recently to 60 days in jail.

Jonathan Joseph Trainor, 25, appeared before Judge Jeff Lantz in provincial court in Charlottetown by video from jail where he pleaded guilty to theft and mischief.

Crown attorney Jeff MacDonald told the court that on Aug. 23 at around 11 p.m., Trainor was with two other people on a Charlottetown street where he started prying open a vehicle.

The court heard that several people in a nearby building went outside which led to a confrontation and someone recording Trainor’s group on video.

MacDonald said Trainor approached them with a prybar and threatened harm.

When the police arrived, Trainor fled but was later located and arrested, MacDonald said.

The court heard the other two people were also arrested.

Trainor also addressed the court, saying he always tries to take ownership of what he does and the crimes he commits.

He then apologized to the victim.

Trainor, who has a prior criminal record, said it is hard when he gets released from jail and there is no support.

“It’s taken a toll on my mental health big time,” he said.

He told the court he finally got an apartment recently and wants to keep it.

“It’s all that I’m worried about,” Trainor said.

Before hearing his sentence,

Trainor said he wasn’t asking Lantz to give him one that doesn’t include jail time.

He just wanted a fair shot, Trainor said.

“I don’t want to keep doing this.”

Along with the jail time, Trainor will be on probation for one year after his release and must pay $15 in restitution to the vehicle’s owner.