R. v. Reid, 2015 ONSC 858
COURT FILE NO.: CR-14-90000778-0000
DATE: 20150205
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE - ONTARIO
RE: R. v. Steven Reid
BEFORE: Justice Spies
COUNSEL: Scott Patterson and Brian Puddington, for the Crown
Kevin Hunter, for the Defendant
HEARD: January 20, 2015
ENDORSEMENT
[1] Mr. Reid was charged with robbing Terry Jovanovski and with using an imitation firearm while committing that offence. He was also charged with a number of offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act including trafficking in cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime, namely $20. Counsel appeared before me on January 20, 2015, with a proposed resolution of all charges. As a result, Mr. Reid pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and the charge of trafficking in cocaine. The facts were read in and were admitted by Mr. Reid. There was a no evidence of a handgun nor any evidence that Mr. Reid is a crack dealer by trade.
[2] Counsel also gave me their submissions in support of a joint submission as to sentence which I accepted. I was advised that Mr. Reid has taken 14 one-hour programs while in the Toronto East Detention Centre ranging from anger management to dealing with drug abuse. Clearly he is motivated to rehabilitate himself. As a result of the sentence that I imposed, after credit for time served, Mr. Reid has four and one-half months left to serve. He will then be on probation for 12 months. The purpose of this endorsement is not to set out that information, which is on the record, but rather deal with one particular aspect of importance to Mr. Reid and to his rehabilitation.
[3] Mr. Reid has had a long-term battle with drug addiction and, in particular, an addiction to crack cocaine. He left home at the age of 12 and abused drugs and alcohol on the streets. He has attempted counselling for drug addiction but has always relapsed. Before his arrest on these matters in August 2014, Mr. Reid approached Harbour Light Residential Treatment Centre for help. I understand that this Centre is operated by the Salvation Army Ministries. Mr. Reid advised that they were willing to accept him for treatment and he would like to be released directly to that Treatment Centre when he is released on these convictions. I understand that they have a three month treatment program which Mr. Reid believes will help him.
[4] Mr. Reid is fortunate to have the assistance of Mr. Hunter who wants to assist him in his rehabilitation. I advised counsel that because of the importance of this matter, I would provide brief reasons addressing this issue. I will ensure that the reasons are forwarded to the institution where Mr. Reid is being held. Although I believe that Mr. Reid would enter the Harbour Light Residential Treatment Centre of his own accord if he were not released directly to that facility because he approached them voluntarily before his incarceration, he has requested that he be released directly to that facility/centre. Clearly he wants to be certain that he gets treatment and everything should be done that can be to assist him in this regard. I appreciate that this will require some coordination between the Toronto East Detention Centre, if that is where he is still being held, and Mr. Hunter. I hope with the assistance of these reasons that this will be accommodated by all parties to give Mr. Reid the best chance possible for his long-term rehabilitation. I wish him well.
SPIES J.
Date: February 5, 2015