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Jail time for stabbing

Alcohol a factor in common-law attack

Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 09/01) - A territorial court judge, known for his tough treatment of criminals, delivered a lighter sentence to a woman who threw a knife into the chest of her common-law spouse.

This week Judge Michel Bourassa sentenced Nancy Goose to three months in jail after she pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon.

The Crown asked for six.

The defence argued for a conditional sentence, which would have seen Goose receive probation for the time of the sentence, with jail time only being served if the terms of probation were broken.

"The request is certainly appropriate," Bourassa said. "But sometimes providing cushions for people may be the wrong approach."

Goose, a 33-year-old admitted alcoholic and prescription drug abuser, sat weeping in court. Many supporters sat behind her in the public area of the courtroom.

The court learned that Goose for many years suffered from abusive relatives and partners, witnessed friends and relatives commit suicide and attempted suicide herself many times.

Her lawyer noted that she had tried unsuccessfully several times over the years to sober up.

On July 8, an alcohol-fuelled argument ended when she stabbed her common-law husband.

Her lawyer, Peter Watt, told the court she had meant to throw the knife near him and never intended for it to become planted in his chest.

Immediately after the stabbing, Goose ran to get help from neighbours and told the man and police she was sorry.

The victim eventually fully recovered.

"For being through what she has been through she has a very good track record of trying to get help," argued Watt.

Bourassa laboured over his sentencing, eventually saying it is not up to the court to treat people with addictions and that he believes one must hit rock bottom before climbing back up.

"It is not a problem you can put in a box and sprinkle penicillin on," he said.

"All of the remorse she feels ... all of that will be gone ... with the crack of another bottle."

Bourassa added that alcohol-related offences similar to this are common and that he hopes the abuse programs in jail will help Goose.

Goose left the courtroom in handcuffs after sobbing in the arms of her supporters.