A former employee of The Brick has been ordered to pay back more than $10,000 and serve a two-year conditional sentence for theft, mischief and break and enter.
In provincial court Monday, prosecutor Todd Wellsch outlined that Michael Eason had, on nine occasions when he was responsible for closing the Yorkton furniture store, concealed deposits totaling $9,519.
When management became suspicious, Wellsch said Eason attempted to drill into the store's safe causing $1,000 in damage, then set off the alarm in an effort to divert suspicion and conceal his guilt.
The prosecutor submitted that incarceration was certainly an option for the Court given the defendant's previous criminal record, the fact
he was in a position of trust at the time and that the contents of a presentence report indicated he had attempted to rationalize the crimes and blame his personal circumstances.
Nevertheless, Wellsch said discussions with defence attorney Richard Yaholnitsky had led to a joint submission recommending a conditional sentence of two years less a day, three years probation and restitution in the amount of $10, 519.
Yaholnitsky also referenced the presentence report saying his client felt great shame and that it was a gambling problem and family stress that had led him astray.
Yaholnitsky said Easton had not gambled since his arrest, was willing to take court-ordered programming and was confident the young man would not reoffend.
Judge Patrick Koskie said he was not as convinced as the defence adding he was concerned that while the presentence report suggested Eason was a medium-risk to reoffend, the risk could be higher if he did not address the gambling issue.
Furthermore, the judge said, given the breach of trust situation, he was personally inclined toward a custodial sentence, but was obligated by the Court of Appeals to accept a joint submission if it is reasonable.
Koskie ordered the conditional sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community with an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for the first six months. Eason will be required to make monthly payments of $200 until the full amount is paid off and serve three years probation following the completion of his sentence.
