A Penticton man won't be home for Christmas following sentencing for several offences in Penticton court today, December 22.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - A Penticton man won’t get his wish to spend Christmas with family following a Tuesday Penticton court appearance on today, Dec. 22.

Brandon Michael Hurren was sentenced on counts of driving while prohibited, theft under $5,000 and breach of recognizance for a number of incidents that occurred in Penticton and Kelowna this year.

Crown Prosecutor Kurt Froehlich told court police stopped Hurren on Aug. 15 after running his license plate and discovering the vehicle belonged to a prohibited driver. Herron was arrested and released on a promise to appear. Then on Aug. 23, Hurren was observed shoplifting while in Kelowna Wal-Mart. Police were contacted and discovered Hurren loading his vehicle in the parking with the ill-gotten goods. Attending RCMP ordered him to stop but he got into his vehicle and drove away. With other officers responding, Herron was apprehended a short time later and arrested for theft and resisting arrest. His vehicle was searched and drug paraphernalia and $960 worth of Wal-Mart merchandise was recovered. He was released on terms which included staying away from Wal-Mart.

On Sept. 19, Hurren was spotted near Wal-Mart again by a plain clothes detective, arrested and subsequently released.

On Dec. 18, loss prevention staff at Penticton Wal-Mart witnessed Hurren leave the store at approximately 7:45 p.m. with $113 worth of WaterPik toothbrushes. He was apprehended by police at the nearby 7-11, where the stolen items were recovered in a backpack.

A search of Hurren also produced morphine and methamphetamines. He was arrested for theft, possession of a controlled substance and breach of recognizance.

Prosecutor Froehlich described Hurren as having a “long, bad driving record,” in addition to having “an unnatural draw for Wal-Mart.” He asked Judge Gale Sinclair for a sentence of jail time, probation and a driving prohibition for the offences.

Defence lawyer James Pennington noted his 33-year-old client’s record indicated a history of substance abuse, to which his client interjected he was seeking treatment.

“He’s been high and dry for the weekend, but he does need the help,” said Pennington.

Hurren told court he was a third year metal work apprentice who also holds a business degree. He said he would abide by whatever restrictions were given him should he be allowed to spend Christmas with his ailing father.

“Christmas at home is not in the cards,” Judge Sinclair said, handing down a sentence of a $500 fine and seven days in addition to an 18-month driving prohibition for driving with a license suspended.

In addition, Hurren received three days’ jail time for the Kelowna Wal-Mart theft, 14 days for breach of recognizance, and 30 days for the Penticton Wal-Mart theft for a total 51 days jail time. Hurren also faces one-year probation with restrictions that include staying clear of Wal-Mart.

Hurren’s victim surcharges were waived, and other charges against him stayed.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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