Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 24/03) - Martin Pudlat was told Tuesday he should have found a job instead of going on a crime spree.

"There are jobs for people that want to work," said Judge Michel Bourassa.

The judge handed down a jail sentence of two years less a day during a sentencing hearing for the 19-year-old.

Pudlat pleaded guilty to break-ins at Main Street Pizza, Bootlegger, Arctic Data Systems, Flowers North, Grapevine, Willow Bay, Grandma Lee's, Ryan's Restaurant and Super Clean.

The crimes date back to June. In each case, as much as $400 cash was stolen, and there was also property damage at the businesses.

"One could understand the necessity reason for breaking and entering. But, night after night, this isn't for necessity. This is a criminal looking for his rewards," Bourassa commented about the defence that Pudlat was not employed, was living at the Salvation Army and had a wife and child.

Bourassa also commented on Pudlat's lack of remorse for his crimes.

"The accused seems to have absolutely no insight on the effect of his conduct on others," he said.

"He seems to take all these situations very lightly."

Pudlat has 12 previous criminal conditions.

Bourassa said previous sentences have had very little affect.

Bourassa said the sentencing also took into account the rash of break-ins that have plagued Yellowknife.

"I'm a resident of this community and I can't help but take note in the last nine months there has been a tremendous amount of break-and-enters," said Bourassa.

Pudlat was also sentenced 18 months concurrent for a charge of breaching conditions.

He was caught in the Yk Centre mall, which violated his release conditions.