Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 27/02) - A string of thefts netted a Yellowknife criminal 18 months in jail last week.

David Angohiatok pleaded guilty to charges of break and enter, taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, and possession of stolen property.

Territorial court Judge Michel Bourassa, after characterizing the crimes as "stupid,",went on to say Angohiatok's behaviour, "boggles the mind."

Court heard that in addition to stealing a set of car keys from the Sportsman on 50th Street for a joyride on Nov. 22, Angohiatok stole a carving from a private art gallery Dec. 8, and he and an accomplice also broke into the Centre Square Mall March 3.

One of the men climbed over the barrier separating the mall from the Bank of Montreal automatic teller machine, letting the other in.

Once inside, Angohiatok and the accomplice "smashed a glass door" at Sundance Health, and made off with 13 bottles of nutritional supplements.

"Other than being paranoid about your health, what do you do with those things?" Bourassa asked Crown Attorney Loretta Colton.

Colton looked mystified, but after a brief conference with the court liaison officer told the judge the supplements, valued at $884.84, were used for "weight training."

Mall security spotted the pair and gave chase, catching Angohiatok. His accomplice got away, but was later apprehended by police.

Defence lawyer Kelly Payne told Bourassa her client was "no criminal mastermind." She added that Angohiatok, "gets turned around sometimes."

Noting his 28 convictions, an incredulous-sounding Bourassa replied, "Sometimes?"

Speaking before Bourassa imposed sentence, Angohiatok told the court that, "Nobody's perfect in this world."

Bourassa replied that, "Nobody's looking for perfection Mr. Angohiatok. Just obey the law."