Bank robber gets more jail time for home invasion

Career criminal already in prison for Kelowna bank holdup handed an additional 7-year term by Penticton judge

PENTICTON — A career criminal already serving time for a bank robbery in Kelowna was sentenced Tuesday to an extra seven years in jail for his part in a gang and drug-related home invasion in Penticton.

Jon Russell Lowe, 46, pleaded guilty to robbery, unlawful confinement and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose in relation to the Nov. 30, 2013, incident he told police was ordered by the Independent Soldiers street gang.

“Home invasions at the direction of a notorious criminal organization can have a chilling effect on the community,” provincial court Judge Greg Koturbash said in his reasons for sentence.

“Although Penticton has not been immune to the infiltration of organized crime, it is much less prevalent than it is in larger centres, and the mere thought of their presence in our community, committing very serious crimes, instils a fear in our citizens.”

Lowe, a heroin addict, admitted to arriving at the Calgary Avenue home with a balaclava and baseball bat to steal money, drugs and guns from the occupants, who were also involved in the drug trade.

He and a female accomplice entered the home’s garage and beat the male and female victim, before tying their hands with zap straps and then ransacking the house.

They left an hour later with jewelry, clothing, electronics and money.

The victims eventually freed themselves and called for help.

Lowe was then arrested on Jan. 6, 2014, a day after robbing the TD Bank on Harvey Avenue in Kelowna.

The bank job earned Lowe five years in prison, which marked his 13th robbery conviction, according to Koturbash, who said Lowe had served, or been sentenced to, a total of 21 years in jail since 1996.

The judge said he viewed that record, which demonstrates “a commitment to a criminal way of life,” as an aggravating factor he took into consideration on sentencing for the Penticton robbery.

“Since 1996, Mr. Lowe has established his mark as a career criminal who has intentionally embarked upon a violent, criminal path of life, and appears to have treated jail and the criminal justice system as a mere occupational hazard,” said Koturbash.

Lowe, who appeared by video conference from a prison in the Lower Mainland, showed no emotion and did not speak during the 20-minute hearing on Tuesday.

Co-accused Amanda Sach was sentenced in January 2014 to 30 months in jail for her role in the home invasion, while a third man, Anthony Werden, received a oneday sentence and 12 months’ probation after pleading guilty to lesser offences of theft and assault.