Man jailed for driving payloader into ex-spouse’s North Sydney home

A North Sydney man will serve federal jail time after driving a stolen payloader into his former spouse’s home.

Kevin Albert Morrison, 51, pleaded guilty this week to seven charges stemming from the Jan. 15 incident.

Cape Breton Regional Police were called to early morning reports of someone attempting to demolish a home on Seaview Drive in North Sydney.

The dwelling received significant damage as a result of the incident.

No one was in the home at the time, although it was typically occupied by Morrison’s former spouse and their children.

A nearby power pole and electricity meter attached to the building were also damaged as a result of the encounter.

In prior proceedings, a counsel lawyer said Morrison suffers from depression and anxiety.

The court was told Morrison acted out of character and had an impeccable work record, having never missed a day on the job in 28 years as an employee of Nova Scotia Power.

In January, Morrison was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and was deemed fit to stand trial. In May, he returned to court after being charged with breaching the conditions of his release.

Morrison pleaded guilty earlier this week to charges of taking a motor vehicle without consent, property damage, uttering a threat, evading police and three counts of mischief.

He has been sentenced to two years in a federal institution, along with a 12-month driving prohibition upon his release.