First man to be offered sentencing circle in Kamloops, B.C., back behind bars

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – The first person to be offered a native sentencing circle in Kamloops, B.C., two years ago is back behind bars after racking up 15 charges.

Douglas Jensen is facing several charges — including break and enter, unauthorized possession of a firearm, obstructing a peace officer and possession of stolen property — dating back to July 10.

Jensen, 37, was released from jail in June after serving a 45-day sentence for breaching his probation.

In September 2012, Jensen was the first recipient of a sentencing circle offered by the Tk’emlups Indian Band, in conjunction with the Crown and B.C. Supreme Court.

That was after he drove a stolen pickup truck into a house on the reserve before leading police on a high-speed chase and driving at a constable.

Jensen was in custody for more than 18 months after the incident on Feb. 14, 2011.

He was granted bail prior to the sentencing circle and placed on a 22-month probation term. He was also ordered to enter into a four-year contract with the band and to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

In May, a Kamloops provincial court judge scolded Jensen for “taking advantage” of the sentencing circle in 2012.

Court has heard Jensen was the victim of sexual assault when he was a child.

He and his co-accused, Francis August, are slated to return to court next March for a five-day trial. (Kamloops This Week)