The offender, a 21-year-old first offender, was convicted of residential break and enter and possession of stolen property over $5000.
The Crown sought a custodial sentence of 6 to 9 months, while the defence sought a non-custodial sentence.
The court found that the offender suffered from severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, which constituted exceptional circumstances justifying a departure from the usual range of a custodial sentence for residential break and enter.
The court suspended the passing of sentence and imposed three years of probation with strict conditions, prioritizing rehabilitation over general deterrence.
