Niagara break-in artist sentenced to more jail time for barn thefts

Defendant also pleaded guilty to possession of crystal methamphetamine

A 38-year-old Niagara man who helped himself to thousands of dollars in construction equipment and other property stored in a barn will spend the next 56 days behind bars.

Joseph Rudgene appeared in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines via teleconference from Niagara Detention Centre Wednesday for sentencing on several charges, including break and enter.

Judge Harvey Brownstone said the 56day sentence takes into account the amount of time the defendant had spent in pretrial custody, the equivalent of 245 days.

In mid-June 2019, court heard that a variety of items were stolen from a storage barn in Smithville. Several pieces of metal scaffolding were taken, as well as tools and two outboard motors.

Rudgene returned to the barn several days later and stole more equipment, including an air compressor and various tools.

He returned later that same day and swiped additional tools and a buffering machine.

The Crown contends the stolen items were valued at $19,000.

Rudgene’s lawyer questioned the true value of the stolen items, adding his client pawned the property for several hundred dollars.

“That doesn’t affect the value of what he stole, it just shows his stupidity in selling something undervalued,” the judge said.

The judge noted this was Rudgene’s fourth conviction for break and enter in two years.

“What do you think will happen if you have a fifth one? What choice will the judge have? Don’t blame me if you end up in the penitentiary next time.”

The defendant also pleaded guilty to several unrelated offences, including possession of crystal methamphetamine.