"Extraordinarily angry" criminal wants out of Vernon | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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"Extraordinarily angry" criminal wants out of Vernon

By Charlotte Helston

A high risk crime offender sentenced to five and a half months jail time wants to get out, and not just from prison. Shane Bradley, 20, told his lawyer he wants to get out of Vernon and the life of crime he's been immersed in since he was born.

Bradley was sentenced today on a long list of charges, including possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose, escape from lawful custody, theft, and possession of a firearm contrary to his conditions.

"I've been defending him since (his days) in youth court," Bradley's defense lawyer Glen Skobalski said. "He's got one of the worst backgrounds I've ever seen."

Born to drug addicted parents in Vancouver, Bradley spent his childhood in the East Hastings neighbourhood of Vancouver. He reached a grade seven education before dropping out. Skobalski said it's no surprise, given the environment he grew up in, that Bradley found his way into the criminal justice system.

Crown counsel Howard Pontious said Bradley is a danger to the community, and recommended six to eight months in jail.

"At just 20 years old, Mr. Bradley has graduated into a high risk crime offender," Pontious said.

In 2009, Bradley was convicted of robbery, and because he had used an imitation weapon during the offense, he was banned from possessing any type of weapon until 2014. But according to Skobalski, Bradley believed he had enemies to watch out for. Breaching his conditions weren't nearly as frightening as being unable to protect himself from those out to get him.

"He tells me people are always out to get him," Skobalski said, noting his client once told him he "sticks up for himself" and that's why he carries weapons.

"It's not the best or the right way to deal with things, but that's what he learned to do," Skobalski said.

After assaulting a man on 35th St. in 2012, Bradley was found to be in possession of mace—a direct violation of his weapons prohibition. Then, in October of 2012, he was caught trying to cash a stolen cheque at Money Mart.

Earlier this month, Bradley was stopped by a constable who recognized him and wanted to check in. The cop discovered Bradley was concealing a weapon and asked to see his hands. Bradley then fled to Polson Park where he was eventually found hiding behind a dumpster with a machete on him.

Pontious said Bradley was difficult and mouthy with police. "He's extraordinarily angry."

That anger is something Bradley has been trying to tackle through counseling services. But he tells Skobalski it isn't really working.

Judge Mark Takahashi wanted to know how the accused planned on addressing his need to carry weapons despite being aware of his conditions.

"He has a great fear that someone from his past life will come and beat him up," Takahashi said.

"Well, he knows he has to get out of this community," Skobalski said, adding Bradley plans to move out of province.

Takahashi gave Bradley a total of five and a half months, but Skobalski says he will be out sooner if he demonstrates good behaviour.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
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