The accused pleaded guilty to fraud, using a forged document, and obtaining credit under false pretences, defrauding four vulnerable individuals and Ontario Works of over $66,000 to fuel a prescription drug addiction.
The Crown sought 18 months of true incarceration, while the defence sought a 24-month conditional sentence.
The court weighed the aggravating factors, including the devastating impact on the victims, against mitigating factors such as the guilty plea, lack of prior record, and successful rehabilitation efforts.
The court imposed a 24-month conditional sentence, followed by three years of probation, and issued a standalone restitution order for the full amount.
