Identity thief sentenced to 10 months in prison

VERNON – A man who stole a car and bundle of IDs and credit cards was sentenced to 10 months in prison today.

Louis Mcilvenna, 39, appeared via video at Vernon Provincial Court today, Jan. 2. He pled guilty to a series of charges, including possession of stolen property, dealing with identity documents without lawful excuse and breach of probation. Crown and defense attorneys entered a joint submission recommending 14 months in prison.

The Crown outlined the details of the charges, describing how Mcilvenna failed to appear for his probation hearing on Aug. 8, 2018. On Oct. 10, police pulled him over in Vernon. They discovered he was driving a stolen Honda CRV which was reported missing in Salmon Arm. Upon a search of the vehicle, police uncovered a bevy of stolen property, including credit and membership cards, identifications, and keys. Mcilvenna has been in custody since his arrest.

Mcilvenna's defense attorney relayed how his client has struggled with substance abuse. While Mcilvenna has sought treatment for his addiction, his attorney admitted his client was on crystal meth during the incident.

Judge Roy Dickey sentenced Mcilvenna to 12 months for the multiple theft charges, along with 60 days for the breach of his probation order. Due to time served, Mcilvenna will serve an actual sentence of 300 days, or roughly 10 months, in prison.

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