South Okanagan man gets two years for drunk driving spree that crashed two vehicles in Vernon

PENTICTON – The man responsible for an alcohol induced crime spree that resulted in two motor vehicle collisions in Vernon will spend another 10 months in custody.

Judge Jeremy Guild sentenced Justen Morgan Sheena after he entered guilty pleas on six shoplifting charges and six additional charges stemming from the July 11, 2017 crime spree in Vernon.

Sheena was found guilty of two counts of theft over $5,000 driving while impaired, driving while disqualified, failing to remain at the scene and obstructing a police officer following a series of events that started with Sheena driving a stolen 2008 Nissan Sentra into a ditch, striking a rock.

He fled the scene of that collision, only to return some time later on a stolen bicycle, which he eventually abandoned for a transport truck that had been left running nearby.

Police deployed a spike belt, which was partially successful in puncturing a rear tire, but they did not pursue Sheena.

He continued driving erratically until overturning the vehicle on Tronson Road in Vernon, blocking both lanes of traffic and damaging the pavement.

He then refused to communicate with police, and would not climb down from the overturned cab of the truck until threatened with a taser.

Guild noted Sheena’s difficult childhood of neglect leading to substance abuse issues through his adult life, also noted in the findings of a pre-sentence and Gladue report provided because of Sheena’s native origins.

He sentenced Sheena to a total of 24 months for his crimes. With enhanced credit for time served, that leaves him with 10 months left to serve.

His jail term will be followed by two years' probation that includes an order for residential treatment. He will also be restricted from using alcohol or drugs.

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