Community sentence for carrying brass knuckles, driving while prohibited

PENTICTON – A Penticton man spent his last day in jail today after being granted a six month conditional sentence in court.

David James Goulet, 42, was sentenced in Penticton court today on charges of possessing weapons and driving while disqualified.

The charges stem from an incident on April 25 when members of Penticton’s Targeted Enforcement Unit observed Goulet make several visits to a Penticton pawn shop prior to driving away in a pickup truck. He was searched and found in possession of stolen items, drugs and a set of brass knuckles.

Crown Prosecutor Andrew Vandersluys recommended a sentence of five months jail for the offences, while defence lawyer Michael Patterson argued for a conditional sentence for his client, saying Goulet’s desire to turn his life around and get treatment created the “possibility for Mr. Goulet to turn the corner on addiction."

Judge Michelle Daneliuk noted Goulet’s mitigating circumstances included a struggle with drug addiction for many years, recently exacerbated by a stabbing incident last fall. She noted even though he was found with a weapon, he was not convicted of any acts of violence.

“I also consider as mitigating the remorse as has been expressed by Mr. Goulet, both in a letter and also more specifically, the comments made by Mr. Goulet on the record when he appeared before me on the last date. Those comments included an apology for his actions and what I took to be a very sincere and heartfelt indication that he does not want the life he has been leading, that he wants a change to return to the individual he used to be,” the judge said.

The judge issued a six month conditional sentence to Goulet, who must also complete treatment at Kelowna’s Freedom's Door men’s addiction recovery program.

Goulet, who has been in jail since April on other charges, is also subject to a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, a restriction from alcohol and drugs, a 10-year firearms ban and a one-year driving prohibition.

Goulet thanked the judge for believing in him as the hearing concluded.

“I won’t let you down,” he said.

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