Vincent Gingras of Montreal moved to Moose Jaw two years ago to work for the Communist Party of Canada, but ended up homeless and eventually desperate for food.
So great was his need for food that he pulled off two thefts in The Friendly City on the same day, but was unable to enjoy what he had stolen before police arrested him.
Gingras, 37, appeared in Moose Jaw provincial court on Feb. 3, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of theft under $5,000. Since he is homeless, he will have to pay $50 for each theft.
The Quebec man’s first theft occurred on Feb. 2, where he stole merchandise from Safeway, which was followed by the theft of consumable merchandise from the Esso gas station a few hours later, explained Crown prosecutor Stephen Yusuff. The police were called to the gas station after the cashier locked the doors and wouldn’t let Gingras — who had grabbed several items — leave. The items totalled $73.
Officers later recovered all the items Gingras had stolen.
Yusuff indicated to Judge Brian Hendrickson that Gingras has a criminal record that is nearly two pages long. However, he didn’t think the court had to worry since the last entry was from 2001. Furthermore, since Gingras is homeless, Yusuff asked that the victim surcharge be waived.
Gingras — who appeared in the prisoner’s box dishevelled and semi-clothed, with his shirt ripped in two and wearing what appeared to be just his underwear — told Hendrickson that, since he is homeless, he slept well while in custody.
When he was told he was free to go, Gingras, in his French accent, exclaimed, “Thank you very much and have a nice day!”, before he was led out of the room.
Moose Jaw provincial court next meets on Feb. 4.
