Breach means more jail time for Penticton man just released from prison

PENTICTON – A Penticton man will serve more jail time following an appearance in Penticton court today.

Steven Adam Gelinas, 36, pleaded guilty to breach of probation today, Dec. 28, just two weeks after being released on time served on charges of assault and forcible entry.

Gelinas was under a no contact order regarding a woman he pleaded guilty to assaulting following his sentencing on Dec. 14, 2016, but Penticton RCMP found him in a motel room with the same woman on Dec. 22, Crown prosecutor John Swanson told court.

Swanson noted Gelinas prior court history, which included a lengthy history of probation breaches, his last penalty for a breach was 15 days in jail. He asked for a more lengthy sentence this time.

Defence lawyer Norm Yates said his client understood he would be jailed for the offence, noting his client had been couch surfing and was in a different unit in the motel with others in the room when the woman entered. He asked that his client be given an intermittent sentence to allow him an opportunity to work.

Judge Gale Sinclair sentenced Gelinas to 21 days, noting he told Gelinas on Dec. 14 to make an application to court if he wished to maintain contact with the woman. The judge agreed to an intermittent sentence, which Gelinas will begin serving on Jan. 6, 2017.

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