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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A man who stole a car from Yellowknife and drove it into the Mackenzie River, more than 300 km away was sentenced to seven months house arrest followed by five months under curfew in territorial court last Thursday.

"You are given a chance to serve it in the community but do not think for a second it's not a jail sentence," said Judge Bernadette Schmaltz.

Jimmie Lafond, 39, pleaded guilty to charges of theft and mischief, both over $5,000, related to the theft of a car in Yellowknife on May 18.

The owner told police she suspected Lafond had taken it, and the next day RCMP found her vehicle in the Mackenzie River at Fort Providence. The water was up to the car's windows, and the damage caused to the vehicle was priced at $10,500.

Schmaltz cited a pre-sentence report that stated Lafond suffered from mental illness and alcohol addiction, and she said he needs to take steps to control and treat his illness.

He was given a one-year conditional sentence, which means if he breaks the conditions he can face the charge again in court and possibly serve the rest of his sentence in jail. Lafond has nine prior convictions on his record.

For the first seven months, Lafond will be confined to his home except to go to work, to go out to complete the 120 hours of community service he was also sentenced to, and also to go about errands in two three-hour time slots per week. He will then be on probation for two years.

Schmaltz also ordered him to repay the $10,500 at a rate of at least $300 per month.

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