Probation for Fort Erie man found outside church with knife

A 38-year-old Fort Erie man who tried to break into a Crystal Beach church while armed with a knife has been placed on probation for three years. Lawyer Mark Evans on Wednesday said Michael Hicks’ criminal history includes property offences but no crimes of violence.

“He is certainly making himself a nuisance in the community,” he said.

Judge Deborah Calderwood noted a “nuisance” offence committed by someone carrying a knife does run the risk of turning violent.

“Sometimes property offences, where you’re breaking into places, can lead to you encountering people, and that of course puts everybody’s safety at risk,” she told the defendant after he pleaded guilty in an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines to attempted break and enter and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Police were called to Crystal Ridge

Community Church on May 5 after receiving a report of a suspicious person there.

Hicks was found near the back of the church carrying a flashlight and a crow bar.

Police found fresh pry marks on a rear door of the church, and on the door of a nearby shed.

When police searched him, court heard that a large folding knife was found in his pocket. The nine-inch knife, which opens by depressing a thumb catch, is a prohibited weapon.

Hicks was placed on probation for three years and ordered to perform community service.

“We have to deter you and others from committing similar offences, but we also have to consider rehabilitation,” the judge said.

“You are someone who is quite capable of leading a productive life … if not overshadowed by constant involvement in the justice system.”