Image Credit: File photo
June 15, 2016 - 12:59 PM
KAMLOOPS - A Kamloops man who was the victim of a violent break and enter says he wishes the accused well in her expected sentencing hearing tomorrow, June 16.
Sarah Chalifoux-Schneider has pleaded guilty to several criminal charges dating back to last October.
Crown prosecutor Laura Drake told a Kamloops Supreme Court today, June 15, that Chalifoux-Schneider beat and robbed a mentally disabled man before breaking into two homes. Drake read in her submissions Chalifoux-Schneider approached Manny Stewart, 53, with another suspect while Stewart was on his way home from buying his cat a Christmas present on Oct. 15.
Stewart suffers from schizophrenia and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.
Drake told the court Chalifoux-Schneider went up to Stewart and waved a gun in his face near the Ford dealership on Halston Avenue and 12th Street.
Court heard Stewart recalled the suspect "wailing on him" yelling "what have you got for me?"
The suspect, believed to be Chalifoux-Schneider, kicked and punched Stewart while he fell to the ground. She then stole his glasses from him, before her accomplice told her to stop.
She then made her way to an apartment on Kimberley Avenue where Wayne Lolie and his family were sleeping, Drake said. Lolie heard someone knocking on the door and ringing the doorbell. He got up and saw a suspect holding a fake gun and demanding money. He told her she had the wrong house, and Chalifoux-Schneider went next door to Ken Swinford's home.
Swinford saw someone holding a gun yelling "you owe me money." He pushed her out the door. Chalifoux-Schneider went outside and began smashing a truck belonging to Lolie's mother-in-law, Drake said. Lolie chased her down the road until police arrived and arrested Chalifoux-Schneider.
She pleaded guilty to all seven counts against her, including robbery, using an imitation firearm, break and ente, and mischief, last Ocober.
Crown is seeking a five-year sentence and defence is seeking three to four years. Judge Dev Dley is expected to make his decision tomorrow morning.
In the courtroom, Chalifoux-Schneider tuned to Swinford through tears, apologizing for her actions and the pain she has caused the families involved. After the hearing, Swinford wished her the best in her hearing, and said he accepts her apology.
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