Teneycke’s dangerous offender hearing adjourned

PENTICTON – The hearing to have Ronald Teneycke declared a dangerous offender was adjourned after briefly reconvening for a second day this week in Penticton court.

It was revealed at the hearing yesterday Teneycke has been diagnosed with cancer. Defence lawyer Michael Welsh sought an adjournment today, pending clinical records regarding Teneycke’s condition.

Judge Hewson questioned the need for an adjournment, asking Welsh to explain what difference a medical opinion of Teneycke’s condition would have on his decision.

Welsh said a poor prognosis for Teneycke may affect the issue of whether a standard prison sentence is most appropriate for him, noting his client may be so ill he may or may not survive the sentence.

The judge agreed to an adjournment, following a statement from Crown Prosecutor Murray Kaay they had completed their case and had no issue with the request.

Court also heard from B.C. Corrections Branch Probation Officer Mike Kent, who supervised Teneycke’s probation between November, 2012, and March, 2014.

Kent called Teneycke’s attitude towards supervision "superficially compliant,” adding Teneycke was unwilling most of the time to engage in discussions about his previous offences or the people he associated with and disinclined to participate in any interventions or treatments.

Kent also noted Teneycke’s disinclination to work, saying Teneycke told him “work was not for him,” expressing a desire to pan for gold instead.

The hearing was adjourned to the judicial case manager’s office to set a date. It is believed another two days will be needed in order for defence to give evidence and both sides to deliver submissions.

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