Man sentenced to two more weeks in jail for attempted robbery
Judge urges him to use time to prepare for his release into community
ASt. John’s man who tried to hold up a convenience store got a lengthy sentence, but won’t be in jail for much longer. Jason Gordon Skanes was given a prison term of two years and 5 1/2 months Friday at Newfoundland Supreme Court.
However, the 28-year-old was given 1.5 times credit for the 19 months he’s been in custody, meaning he’ll be a free man in about two weeks.
“Use this brief time to prepare yourself for what faces you upon your release,” Justice Deborah Paquette told Skanes in handing down her decision.
“Continue to speak to your psychiatrist and make yourself ready to re-emerge into society and to take up employment.”
Skanes was found guilty of one count of attempted robbery and breaching probation.
He was charged after he tried to hold up the clerk with a knife at an Esso gas station, which used to be located on Blackmarsh Road.
When his demands for cash were denied by the clerk, Skanes left the store.
In handing down the sentence, Paquette took into consideration the aggravating factors, including his lengthy criminal record, which includes 17 convictions for theft, 12 for fraud and two for break and enters.
However, she pointed out that there was no violence used and no injuries and he didn’t hide his face or attempt to mask his identity.
The most compelling mitigating factor was Skanes sought counselling while in prison, as well as education programs, and seems genuinely determined to change his life.
The judge said Skanes expressed remorse and has accepted responsibility for what he did.
“He was sincere in his intentions to seek support he needs and avoid falling back into a life of crime,” Paquette said.
“You are at a pivotal time in your life when rehabilitation and reform can result in success.”
As part of the sentence, Skanes must submit a DNA sample and is banned from having a firearm for the rest of his life.
Skanes had also been charged in connection with a holdup that happened the day before the Esso robbery.
On Jan. 1, 2011, a man entered a Needs Convenience store in Paradise with a knife and demanded money.
Since there was similar evidence from both incidents, the Crown tried to connect Skanes to two of the robberies.
However, last month, provincial court Judge David Power acquitted Skanes on the Needs Convenience robbery, noting there was not enough evidence to convict.