House arrest for cashing stolen cheques

Rory Lee Dana Shaw sentenced to 105 days house arrest

A man was sentenced to 105 days of house arrest for cashing a stolen cheque and forged cheques to help pay off a drug debt.

Rory Lee Dana Shaw, 24, was also ordered to pay restitution for the crimes.

Shaw pleaded guilty to stealing a tax refund cheque last April from an apartment complex on Beach Grove Road in Charlottetown where he lived.

He cashed that cheque as well as others that his then-girlfriend, Mary Beaton, 21, had forged from a family business.

Beaton was sentenced to 15 days in jail for her part in the crime.

Shaw, who was on probation when he committed his most recent crimes, has a record that includes assaults, theft and failing to attend court.

Shaw and Beaton incurred a drug debt several years ago. Their dealer recently came looking for the money, leading Beaton to take cheques from a family business and forge them for a total of more than $4,000.

Beaton told Shaw that the cheques were a loan but told him the truth after Shaw cashed the first couple.

Shaw, however, continued to cash additional cheques.

Shaw apologized to the court saying he feels sorry for his criminal actions.

Defence lawyer Thane MacEachern told the court that he feels his client Shaw is doing better.

“I think today things are on track and going well,’’ said MacEachern.

Provincial Court Judge John Douglas ordered Shaw to refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs, other than prescribed medication.