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Penticton News

Career criminal commits to cleaning up his act

Mazzone has been charged in courthouses across B.C. since 1984.
Image Credit: InfoTel News

PENTICTON — A career criminal faces a less severe sentencing after telling a judge he is committed to improving his behaviour through rehab and counselling programs.

Nicholas Paul Mazzone, 43, will serve 15 months in prison after his sentence was reduced from 30 months for time served in jail prior to a conviction.

Mazzone pleaded guilty in Penticton Supreme Court this morning to stealing a vehicle on June 19 and, five days later, breaking into Naramata Enterprises Ltd. stealing liquor, cash, and cigarettes.

He has been committing crimes for 30 years, racking up a total of 63 charges on his criminal record. The majority of these charges are related to theft, break and enter, and drug possession.

He was last released from prison in April 2013, and was back behind bars a few months later.

Crown counsel said a maximum sentence would be in the best interest of the public, since Mazzone can’t keep himself out of trouble.

“Mr. Mazzone is basically a career criminal,” John Swanson said.

Defense lawyer Michael Welsh said Mazzone realizes he’s going to keep breaking the law unless he gets proper treatment.

“I continuously put myself in bad situations,” Mazzone said. “I realize I have to make some serious changes.”

He said he’s scared of being released into the world because he’s become institutionalized but taking the steps to get better is “long overdue.”

Justice Alison Beames said the sentence was very much influenced by his commitment to getting well.

“I wish you the very best,” she said.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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