Kamloops woman released from jail after “eye opening” experience

KAMLOOPS – A 19-year-old Kamloops woman calls her 10 days behind bars an eye opening experience, and one she never wants to go through again.

Mckenna Smith was released today, June 6, after being arrested for breach of recognizance on May 27. She’s been in custody ever since.

Crown told the courtroom she was originally arrested for charges relating to a domestic dispute earlier this year.

Smith was released on bail April 11 with what Judge Stephen Harrison called “fairly strict” conditions. She was on house arrest, ordered to reside with her parents and allowed outside with her parents between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Smith was also required to attend drug and alcohol treatment and be monitored electronically.

In April, Smith’s mother called the teen’s probation officers to tell them Smith hadn’t lived there since March 20, and had been missing her drug and alcohol addiction treatment appointments. She struggles with heroin addiction and mental illness.

Defence told the courtroom in submissions Smith was involved in a toxic relationship, which ultimately led to her struggle with drugs and alcohol.

When Harrison asked Smith if she had anything to say about her time in jail, she took the opportunity.

“It opened my eyes. It really made me realize how much I need my family,” Smith said.

Smith was reported missing last September, but was found safe later that month.

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