Probation for break in

A local mechanic who broke into an auto parts yard armed with an electric saw and proceeded to cut away at car parts with the hopes of selling the parts for scrap has been placed on probation for 12 months. David Porter, of Welland, appeared in an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Friday and pleaded guilty to break and enter and a second count of assault. On Jan. 17, 2016, court was told, Porter jumped over the back fence at a Thorold Auto Parts & Recyclers on Beaverdams Road and proceeded to remove parts from vehicles. Police were called and he was arrested without incident. “He was essentially caught redhanded,” said assistant Crown attorney Tim Hill, adding the defendant was carrying an electric saw and several blades when he was arrested. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman on March 9 in Welland. Since Porter had served the equivalent of 25 days in pretrial custody, he was sentenced to time served and placed on probation for 12 months. He must stay at least 50 metres away from the Thorold business and he cannot have any weapons in his possession for five years.