Thief’s shopping habits lead to extended jail term

After having his social assistance funding cut off, Darcy Shane Anderson became so desperate for income that he began stealing to meet his needs.

However, his thieving ways proved to be short-lived, and he will now spend several months in jail reflecting on his actions.

In Moose Jaw provincial court on Sept. 4, Anderson, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft under $5,000. As part of a joint submission between the Crown and defence, the Moose Javian received a sentence of 90 days in jail on each count. The charges will run concurrently — or at the same time — with another sentence he is already serving. He won’t be released until April 2020. Anderson’s first theft attempt occurred on Feb. 17 at the Walmart in Moose Jaw, explained Crown prosecutor Stephen Yusuff. Anderson grabbed a micro SD card worth $46.88 and concealed it in his front jacket pocket. He then walked out without paying for it. However, store security confronted Anderson as he was leaving and retrieved the card.

The second theft attempt occurred on May 15 around 3:06 p.m., Yusuff continued. Anderson walked into Superstore and picked up four T-shirts worth $62.16. He hid them under his jacket and then left without paying; he was later apprehended.

Anderson has a past criminal record that speaks for itself, Yusuff told Judge Brian Hendrickson. The concurrent 90-day jail term is an appropriate sentence since it shows the court is taking this seriously.

Legal aid lawyer Suzanne Jeanson told the judge that Anderson was denied social assistance funding, so he had no access to income for a brief time.

Judge Hendrickson accepted the joint submission after listening to the facts.