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INUVIK
A 29-year-old man was sentenced Friday for three counts of assault with a weapon after attacking three people with bear spray in Inuvik.

Jerry Christopher Rogers was given 18 months in jail for the three offences as well as for being unlawfully in a dwelling-house and for breach of probation. Six months and 10 days were taken off the sentence for the time he spent in custody while awaiting sentencing.

The incident happened on Jan. 4 while Rogers was visiting a home in Inuvik. When he was asked to leave he pulled out a can of bear spray and discharged it in three people's faces, according to Crown prosecutor Angie Paquin.

One of the victims had to go to the hospital due to a migraine caused by the spray while the two others suffered from itching and burning.

Rogers was also given two years probation for the incident.

He is well known in the justice system. He has 63 prior convictions, 18 of which were for violent offences.

"(Jail) doesn't really bother me anymore," Rogers told the court, adding it means he doesn't have to work for his meals, he can sleep all day and there is a roof over his head.

Nevertheless, he said he would like to make a change. Rogers, who reportedly suffered a difficult childhood, asked Judge Bernadette Schmaltz to send him to a treatment centre for his alcoholism.

"I need treatment," he said. "I don't want to be in jail until I'm 50."

Schmaltz was hesitant to grant his wish, given that she had sent him to treatment the last time he was before her in court and he did not make use of it.

"I have some sympathy with what you say," Schmaltz said. "But, Mr. Rogers they are all words with you … the tools are there, Mr. Rogers, but I can't force you to use them."

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