Shoplifter banned from nine stores and a gas station

A man who pleaded guilty to 10 shoplifting charges was sentenced Aug. 19 in Prince George Provincial Court to another 61 days of jail.

Donald Orin Baker, born in 1979, made the pleas before Judge Peter McDermick, who sentenced him to 150 days overall as part of a joint proposal by Crown and defence lawyers.

Baker had 89 days credit for time served, which leaves him with 61 days remaining.

McDermick ordered one-year probation for Baker. The order is scheduled to be reviewed Oct. 21 when Baker attends Indigenous court in Prince George, a monthly hearing for Indigenous offenders that is based on restorative justice and traditional healing.

McDermick also ordered Baker to not attend specific locations in Prince George of the following chain stores: 7-Eleven, Esso, Home Hardware, Home Depot, KMS Tools, London Drugs, Mark’s Work Warehouse, Save-on-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart.

Defence lawyer James Emmons said the guilty pleas saved the court from holding multiple trials against Baker and relieved a “significant number” of witnesses from the burden of testifying.

“He's got his Grade 10 (education), he’s historically struggled with substance abuse issues. He has a bit of a record, it’s been filed,” Emmons said. “He is serious about his sobriety. He's inspired to reconnect with his daughter. He's also prepared to attend Indigenous court, which is a rigorous healing program.”