Two years or time served: Kelowna prolific offender says he's moving on from criminal past | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Two years or time served: Kelowna prolific offender says he's moving on from criminal past

KELOWNA - A prolific offender will have to wait until next week to find out if he's staring down another long stretch of prison time or if he can return to the streets of Kelowna.

Stanley Nickason, 37, appeared in Kelowna Supreme Court July 19 to enter guilty pleas on a bevy of offences. He's charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, possess  firearm without license or registration, occupying vehicle in which there is a firearm, loaded or unloaded with ammo prohibited or restricted firearm, two counts of flight from peace officer, two counts of operating motor vehicle while disqualified and two counts of possession of firearm contrary to order.

Crown lawyer Karla Dodds said the nature of the offences merited a sentenced of two-and-a-half years at most.

Defence lawyer Jordan Watt said his client came from a rough upbringing defined by abuse and neglect. He said Nickason never finished high school and often lived on the street. He also noted Nickason's lifelong struggle with drug addiction.

Watt said Nickason has reformed during the 13 months he's been behind bars. He said Nickason has been drug-free and he's managed to find a routine by working in the prison's metal shop, a passion he plans to pursue outside of jail.

"He's making significant changes," Watt said.

Watt also noted Nickason's profession as a tattoo artist, something that offers him numerous employment opportunities after prison.

Watt said these improvements, along with Nickason's guilty pleas, showed his client is striving to be a better person and move on from his criminal past. He suggested a sentence of time served, which would essentially release Nickason from prison.

"He doesn't need further separation from society," Watt said.

In a prepared statement, Nickason apologized for his actions and reaffirmed his commitment to change his life.

"I know things will be hard," he said. "I won't let you down."

Justice Dennis Hori said he needed time to consider all aspects of the case before passing his sentence. Nickason is set to return to court on July 26.

According to Court Services Online, Nickason has a criminal record that stretches back to 2000.


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