Mental health and addiction issues have fuelled many of Shane Lorance Stephens’ recent problems, including an inability to receive treatment and run-ins with the justice system.
Stephens, 30, is an inpatient at the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, so he was unable to attend Moose Jaw provincial court on April 20. Instead, Legal Aid lawyer Suzanne Jeanson handled his situation and explained to Judge Brian Hendrickson the challenges the man faces.
Mental illness is Stephens’ main problem, followed by addictions, which includes the use of crystal meth, she said. Stephens has struggled to receive regular treatment in the community since his mental illness is too complex for drug treatment centres to handle, while he is unable to stay sober long enough to receive help from mental health services. Stephens was sober from ages 18 to 22.
His last offence was this past October, continued Jeanson. After that he briefly went to the Wakamow Detox Centre for treatment, followed by some time in the hospital’s mental health ward. Once released, Stephens went to live with his grandparents in Lucky Lake.
One reason Stephens is in the hospital now — and can remain there — is to become sober; once that happens, he can get back into the Teen Challenge Saskatchewan program, which helps people overcome drug addictions, said Jeanson.
Jeanson asked Judge Hendrickson to waive any surcharges since Stephens is unemployable and wouldn’t be able to pay.
She noted Stephens understood the allegations against him and wanted to take responsibility by pleading guilty to some of them, including:
- three fail to attend court charges;
- one fail to report charge;
- three thefts under $5,000;
- five breaches of probation;
- one break and enter;
- one count of knowingly conveying a threat;
- one charge of possessing an illegal substance.
The Crown stayed 21 other charges against Stephens.
Officers believed Stephens was on meth on March 23, 2019, when it was reported that he was yelling at passersby — this constituted a threat — and swinging a stick or tree branch while chasing after people, said Crown prosecutor Rob Parker. Stephens was said to be agitated at the time; officers had dealt with him enough to know he was docile when sober, but difficult when on meth.
Another incident occurred on Aug. 29, 2019, when Stephens entered the SARCAN building and stole a laptop before running out the back door, Parker continued. The laptop was probably of nominal value since it was there to be recycled.
“It’s roughly equivalent to him stealing a bag of cans that had been returned for the purposes of recycling,” Parker remarked.
On a later date, Stephens entered a 7-Eleven and stole about seven king-size Reese chocolate bars that were worth $20.
A break-in at the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery was reported at 6:54 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2019, Parker said. It was determined that Stephens had broken into the building and attempted to steal money from the cash box, but was unsuccessful.
Police were later called to a Tim Hortons on Oct. 3, 2019, after it was reported that Stephens had stolen a purse. Officers located and arrested Stephens, where he admitted to the theft and of stealing $30 from the purse.
A day later, Stephens was arrested for breaching his probation. Police found 1.5 grams of meth on him when he was brought to the cells.
Judge Hendrickson accepted the joint submission recommended by the Crown and defence. Stephens had already spent 86 actual days in jail but was credited with 129 days based on the court’s 1.5 days credit system. His time in jail was considered time served.
He also received a 30-day sentence on all other guilty charges, but those sentences were considered to have been served concurrently during his time in jail. For his charge of possession, he received a five-day concurrent sentence.
Hendrickson also agreed to waive the victim surcharge.
