Big River First Nation attempted robbery yields three-year sentence

A man found responsible for several assaults and an attempted robbery with a knife has received a four-year global sentence.

That means the penalties for all separate offences have been combined into one overall sentence, with a year of probation added.

Armed with a machete, Lachance smashed out one of the vehicle’s windows and attempted to take the keys.

A back-seat passenger managed to escape with the keys, while Lachance – still armed with the machete – attempted to give chase, but became tangled when his clothing snagged on the vehicle.

There were no physical injuries reported.

At the time of the offence, Lachance was on a release order and subject to a curfew. He was also prohibited from carrying a knife.

Legal aid lawyer Dale Blenner-Hassett explained Lachance has a Grade 5 education and was subjected to a troubled upbringing, that included early exposure to drugs and alcohol.

Lachance’s criminal record dates back more than 10 years and includes a prior conviction for robbery.

Noting Lachance’s young age, troubled background and likelihood of having fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Judge Robert Mackenzie informed Lachance he was not prepared to throw away the key and encouraged Lachance to begin work on himself.

“Your past doesn’t have to be your future,” Mackenzie told Lachance.

With credit for time spent on remand, Lachance has 721 days left to serve, meaning he will remain at a provincial correctional centre for the duration of his sentence.