(JULIE WHITTET / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA – Purchasing over $1,700 in electronics with a stolen credit card will put a Kelowna man back behind bars.

Reginald Harler Purdom, 46, was sentenced to 60 days in prison today for using stolen credit cards at two Kelowna electronics stores last May.

He first used the stolen card May 18 to make a purchase of $1,716 at the Future Shop on Harvey Avenue. A day later he entered the Best Buy in Orchard Park Mall telling one of the employees he was in the market for a new laptop and television but first wanted to register for a store credit card.

When the employee noticed Purdom didn't match the individual on the driver's license, they alerted financial services. Before the employee had time to return, Purdom fled the store, but not before being recognized by a constable on duty.

Purdom was arrested shortly after on charges of identify theft, personation with the intent to obtain property and  possession of stolen property, having stolen the ID from a wallet left in an unlocked car which was reported to police just a few days earlier.

Before sentencing Purdom, Kelowna Provincial Court judge Anne Wallace read out a statement from the man who had his wallet stolen. The single father of two described the toll of the crime on his family already living paycheque to paycheque, as well as the lengthy process of rectifying his banking accounts.

Defence lawyer Cory Armour acknowledged the impact of the crime. While recognizing the time it takes to repair damage to one's reputation, Armour told the court his client is entirely remorseful.

“Thankfully the damage didn't go further than this,” Armour said, also noting that Purdom did not actually break into the car, but seized the opportunity when finding it unlocked.

“He needs to get to work and not take other people's money to better himself,” Armour said.

Purdom, appearing by video, says he will be moving back to Dawson Creek following his release to continue working for Precision Drilling.

Wallace gave Purdom credit for the 47 days already spent in custody, leaving just 13 days to serve.

Purdom has a prior criminal record with a number of property offences and is scheduled for a bail hearing later this week in connection with a July 2013 charge of breaking and entering into a West Kelowna business.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013