Ten months’ jail given to woman who stole from businesses, residents

Jason G. Antonio Moose Jaw Express

After 10 months in jail, Crystal Rayne McGillis will likely use her 12 months of probation to acquire support for her physical and mental health, which contributed to her criminal activities.

McGillis appeared in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on March 24 and pleaded guilty to several charges that occurred in Moose Jaw during the past two years.

The guilty pleas were for nine thefts under $5,000, four breaches of a court release order, breaking and entering, possessing stolen items under $5,000, two breaches of a curfew, breaching probation, and possessing a prohibited firearms-related item (bullet).

After listening to submissions, Judge Brian Hendrickson sentenced McGillis to 10 months — 300 days — in jail, followed by 12 months of probation with several conditions. However, since she had spent 66 days on remand, she was given credit for 99 days, which means she will serve 201 days behind bars.

Crown prosecutor Stephen Yusuff reviewed McGillis’s offences that she committed from January 2020 to January 2022.

Neither the Crown nor defence agreed on a suitable sentence length, said Yusuff. Therefore, the Crown proposed that McGillis be sentenced to 18 months in jail minus the time she had already served.

Mental health and addiction issues are the main causes of these offences, while McGillis’ background as an Aboriginal woman is also a factor, said Legal Aid lawyer Suzanne Jeanson. These issues — referred to as Gladue factors — are directly connected and affect the sentencing McGillis should receive.

In the justice system, judges must consider the people’s individual circumstances to determine a fit and fair sentence. Gladue principles help judges consider the unique circumstances or experiences of First Nations peoples.