WESTLOCK – A 21-year-old homeless man who went on a six-week crime spree stealing items from an old folk’s home, a youth group, a school and a church was handed a year in jail.
Joshua Bertrim appeared in Westlock Court of Justice by CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre on Jan. 8
“It was not a one-time impulsive act,” Crown prosecutor Eric Mosley told the court about the string of thefts Bertrim had committed over 6.5 weeks. “It was a crime spree.”
On Sept. 1, 2024, Bertrim stole a scooter from a senior citizen who lived at Parkview Place seniors’ home. He had spray painted it white and when police found Bertrim with the scooter his hands and clothes were covered in white paint.
On Sept. 2, 2024, Bertrim broke into the Westlock Elementary School and stole four iPads, four Chromebooks and four laptops valued at $9,000. Only two iPads were recovered.
On Oct. 6, 2024, he stole a $4,200 three-wheel pedal bike from outside a church during prayer service. The bike was never recovered.
On Oct. 9, 2024, he broke into Youth Unlimited and stole two laptops. In addition, he stole a children’s scooter from the backyard of a nearby Westlock home. He started spray painting it in the driveway and when he was confronted by a man, Bertrim swung at him trying to strike him.
On Oct. 18, Bertrim was located and reported to police by local citizens. He fled on a different stolen bike and was later apprehended.
The Crown asked the court to impose 18 months of jail followed by 12 months of probation. Mosley said even though Bertrim doesn’t have a criminal record, he said it was an aggravating factor that he had preyed upon vulnerable people and groups.
Defence lawyer Florence Okoudoh, however, argued for time served followed by 18 months of probation.
She told the court that Bertrim is Metis, never knew his biological father and had witnessed violence and drug abuse at home with his mother and step-father. He was removed at the age of 11 and placed into foster care.
“He is addicted to meth,” she said. “He was homeless at the time and it was the only way for him to stay afloat.”
Before being sentenced, Bertrim complained about the food in jail and promised to change his ways saying he never wants to go back.
“It’s hard in here. They barely feed you enough to survive. I’m definitely sorry for what I have done. I’m definitely not going back to that.”
Justice Gordon Putnam said Bertrim is a young man looking to change his ways saying he was mindful of how he could do that.
“One way is probation,” he said, adding, “Westlock may not be the place where you get much support.”
Putnam sentenced Bertrim to 12 months in jail followed by 12 months of probation. After given pre-trial credit at 1.5 days for each actual day on remand, he was given 125 days of enhanced credit. This means he has 240 days left to serve.
