WESTLOCK – One of two men involved in an early-morning break-in at Finney's Your Independent Grocery store in January 2021 faces a conditional sentence, probation and will pay $500 in restitution.
In Westlock Provincial Court April 27, Nathan R. Stephani received a four-month conditional sentence, followed by six months of probation from Judge Karl Wilberg — the sentence was a joint proposal from the Crown and defence. Stephani, who had previously pleaded guilty to shop breaking with intent, mischief to property under $5,000 and theft under $5,000 in court Sept. 1, 2021, will also pay $500 to the Restitution Recovery Program and has been barred from the Independent Grocery store — the store owner had asked $1,000 in restitution, while the insurance company had sought $3,300.
“Considering Mr. Stephani’s background … I’m told that the Gladue Report supports what’s being proposed and that it’s not necessary to impose real jail (time) and that the sentence can be served in the community,” said Judge Wilberg.
Crown prosecutor Alison Moore said Stephani’s related criminal record is “quite dated from 1998”, while the Gladue Report says he “struggles with drug addiction.”
“Mr. Stephani is focusing on his rehabilitation at the moment and does have very serious Gladue factors,” said defence lawyer Crystal McMahon. “It is a very compelling Gladue Report. Mr. Stephani is trying to do better and did suffer years of abuse and neglect, both physical and emotional.”
Moore told court that around 1:44 a.m., Jan. 26, 2021, Westlock RCMP responded to a break-in at the Independent Grocery store. The front window of the store had been smashed by sledgehammer and two men had entered the building — Stephani and a co-accused, Travis Jean who was sentenced in October, were identified by police on video.
Once inside the two were seen ransacking the store — Stephani broke the lock to the cellphone kiosk before pilfering it and then ran to pharmacy area and unsuccessfully tried to open the cash register.
“He was unable to open it and then broke open a locked shredding container containing confidential documents and it’s unknown if he took any of those documents,” noted Moore, adding the video shows Jean carrying groceries down an aisle before both exited the back of the store.
