Two-year jail sentence imposed

SYDNEY — A Sydney Mines man who ransacked a home in 2018 may have gotten away with the crime had it not been for a major clue he left behind.

Christopher Thomas Baxter, 27, pleaded guilty to charges of break and enter and mischief in connection with the Oct. 12, 2018 incident at a home on Legatto Street in Sydney Mines.

He had initially been scheduled for a trial in provincial court but opted instead to enter guilty pleas.

In presenting the facts of the case, prosecutor Glen Gouthro told the court that police discovered numerous blood droplets throughout the home which were sent to the RCMP crime lab for analysis.

The lab was able to determine that the blood was from a male and a further comparison with files from the national DNA bank indicated that Baxter was the prime subject.

Gouthro said police then secured a DNA warrant mandating Baxter provide a sample which was then tested and again indicated he had been in the home.

Damages to the home were extensive from broken windows and appliances to damaged cupboards. Damage was assessed at more than $5,000.

Gouthro said the motive for the attack remains unclear. In court, Baxter admitted he acted alone.

Gouthro and defence lawyer Tony Mozvik offered a joint sentencing recommendation of two years which was accepted by provincial court Judge Peter Ross.

Baxter was also ordered to submit a DNA sample to the national registry and is banned for life from possessing firearms.

Baxter has an extensive criminal record including convictions on offences such as assault, weapons, theft and breaching court orders.

Baxter told the court he is making strides at turning his life around and has been alcohol and drug free for nearly three years.

The judge commented that Baxter was receiving a relatively light sentence given that break and enter is one of the more serious Criminal Code convictions.

The maximum penalty for such an offence can be life in prison.