Judge throws book at man who resorted to kidnapping to collect drug debt

PENTICTON – A Penticton man will serve nearly five-and-a-half years in a federal prison following sentencing for kidnapping and use of an imitation firearm in Penticton court.

Scott Andrew Mcarthur appeared by video for sentencing yesterday, July 18, after entering guilty pleas to the charges on June 30.

Angel V. Dyck, the co-accused in the Oct.16, 2015 incident, was also scheduled for sentencing yesterday, but had her case adjourned after telling court she had lost confidence in her lawyer’s ability to represent her.

Dyck was expected to return to court today.

Mcarthur is accused of forcing Brett Riopel into a vehicle and threatening him with an imitation firearm while driving around Penticton in order for Riopel to find money to pay a drug debt.

Mcarthur was also serving a conditional sentence at the time of the incident.

Judge Gregory Koturbash said he believed Mcarthur’s words of remorse didn't cut it.

Judge Koturbash also noted Mcarthur’s troubled and difficult childhood, adding one could not forever draw on one’s childhood background to justify one’s deeds.

The fact the accused had been before Judge Koturbash 18 days before the offence also weighed in the decision. The judge said he had compassion for Mcarthur at that point, believing he was, indeed at a crossroads in his life.

However, after hearing similar sentiments repeated by Mcarthur late last month, the judge said he found Mcarthur’s repudiation of his own words to be a highly aggravating factor.

Mcarthur was given 258 days enhanced credit for time already served. He’ll spend just over four more years in jail – 1,547 days – on one count of kidnapping and one count of use of an imitation firearm. He’ll also face a lifetime weapons prohibition and be subject to paying $800 in victim surcharges.

Part of Mcarthur’s jail time is the result of the conditional sentence that Mcarthur breached as a result of the kidnapping incident.

Three other charges – for extortion, uttering threats and assault – were stayed by the Crown.

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