Anthony Samuelson was found guilty of assault in December for creating his own weapon and causing harm.
(SHANNON QUESNEL / iNFOnews.ca)
May 06, 2014 - 5:14 PM
PENTICTON — A young Penticton man will face a couple years in a jail for creating a weapon out of socks and rocks.
Anthony Leonard Donald Samuelson was found guilty of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon during trial. He pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching probation.
Samuelson, 20, has been in custody since April 12, 2014 and appeared in Penticton Provincial court today via video conference from Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre.
One night while intoxicated, Samuelson provoked a group of men while walking down Vancouver hill.
He created a weapon by putting rocks in a sock and hitting one man in the head. The victim needed staples to close the wound and still experiences concussion symptoms, said Judge Gregory Koturbash.
“It was in many ways fortunate he wasn’t killed by Mr. Samuelson,” Crown counsel John Swanson said.
“This fellow obviously has serious problems with alcohol,” defense counsel Jim Pennington said.
A psychological exam revealed Samuelson shows signs of bipolar disorder or mood instability, an impulse control problem, and psychosis. He first tried to commit suicide at age 7, and most recently made another attempt last year. He also abuses drugs and alcohol and was raised by parents who were addicts.
Koturbash said it is “remarkable” that Samuelson doesn’t have a criminal record, considering his upbringing and addictions.
“The crime you’ve committed is indeed a horrible crime,” Koturbash said.
He sentenced Samuelson to roughly two years and 70 days plus three years probation. Samuelson is also banned from possessing firearms for life. He’s also restricted from drinking alcohol, having contact with the victim, and will be on a curfew.
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.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014