Axe-wielding intruder jailed after struggle with police

Judge sentences man who was caught breaking into vacant commercial building in Oliver to 3-year term

A chaotic struggle between Oliver police officers and an axewielding suspect resulted Tuesday in a three-year jail term for the assailant, who was described by the judge as “completely incorrigible.”

Steven Joseph Godbout, 51, was convicted of five offences following a one-day trial in provincial court: two counts of breaching probation and single counts of breaking and entering, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer with a weapon.

The trial heard Mounties were called to a vacant commercial building on Main Street early on Feb. 17, 2018, to a report of a man using an axe to break through an exterior door.

A police dog eventually found Godbout hiding behind an interior door with the axe over his head, ready to strike. A lengthy struggle ensued before Godbout was eventually brought under control with a Taser, but not before the dog handler sustained a bite to his leg from his own dog during the melee.

Godbout testified he had permission from the building’s owner to be there and didn’t use the axe as a weapon.

Judge Greg Koturbash dismissed Godbout’s testimony outright.

“The truth was only an occasional visitor during your testimony. I did not believe you on anything that mattered,” Koturbash said as he summarized his decision Tuesday.

Crown counsel John Swanson successfully sought a total sentence of three years — half of it for assaulting a police officer.

“In our submission, the protection of police when they’re doing their job is absolutely paramount, and we’re asking the court to send a firm message to the community that individuals who choose to arm themselves and resist police when doing the lawful execution of their duty will not be tolerated,” said Swanson.

Defence counsel Jim Pennington countered with a suggestion of time served behind bars since his client’s arrest on the day in question, noting Godbout struggles with drugs and mental-health issues.

“He has tended to fend for himself, avoided seeking social assistance benefits, and has preferred to basically live in the bush on his own means,” said Pennington.

The judge, however, said his sentence had to focus on denunciation and deterrence, rather than rehabilitation, as Godbout had shown no willingness in the past to turn his life around.

“Your actions and your record have demonstrated to me that you’re completely incorrigible,” said Koturbash.

With enhanced credit for time served, Godbout has 30 months remaining.

Godbout’s record had 29 prior convictions for breaking and entering on it when he was sentenced in July 2016 to two years in jail for breaking into an equipment shed next to a cellphone tower on Fairview Mountain just days before the tower was toppled by a vandal.

He has also been linked to multiple arson fires in the Oliver area, and while other judges have been reluctant to ban Godbout from possessing lighters because he smokes, Koturbash had no such qualms.

The truth was only an occasional visitor during your testimony. I did not believe you on anything that mattered.

Judge Greg Koturbash