Fort Smith (June 02/03) - An 18-year-old Fort Smith man who went on a violent rampage, attacking three vulnerable people, was sentenced in Supreme Court last Thursday to one year in jail and two years probation.

William De Boer pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and two counts of robbery.

Last Nov. 29, a 57-year-old man, carrying a six-pack of beer, was walking on a path between the hospital and a senior citizens home in Fort Smith, said Crown counsel Paul Falvo.

De Boer, along with a youth, hit the man on the back, and kicked him in the head. They stole the beer, and asked if he had any money. He had 90 cents.

They left the victim -- who suffered a swollen eye, cuts to his mouth and ear -- on the path.

Two hours later, four young people, including De Boer and the youth, approached a 49-year-old man on the same path. He was kicked between the legs, and on the back, neck, ear and face.

After rooting through his wallet, they demanded to know "how come you're broke," said Falvo.

Then they kicked his wallet at him and left.

After midnight, De Boer attacked an intoxicated man about to unlock the door of his hotel room. The 44-year old man was carrying a case of Kokanee beer.

De Boer hit him in the back of the head with a tire iron and kicked him when he hit the ground.

The man has convictions as a youth for obstructing a police officer, possession of marijuana and two thefts.

Falvo asked for one to two years in jail and one to two years probation.

De Boer has been in custody since Dec. 13.

Defence lawyer Robert Gorin pointed out his previous convictions are not for violent crimes. Obviously the man is not a saint, said Gorin, but the rampage was out of character.

De Boer was intoxicated and suffering from depression when he committed the crimes -- a condition he is now taking medication for, said Gorin.

While in jail, he has been attending church every Sunday and prays regularly, said Gorin, who asked for one year to 18 months incarceration and one year probation.

"I'd like to be able to apologize to their face," De Boer told the court, "but they aren't here."

Justice T.P. O'Connor called the violent spree "vicious" and "senseless."

He said probation conditions will include counselling, completing Grade 12 and an alcohol prohibition.

O'Connor also suggested the man write his victims and apologize.

Earlier this year, a youth was sentenced to six months in jail in connection with the case. The Crown is appealing that sentence.