A resident of the former tent city, involved in a 2018 attack involving machetes, has been sentenced to time served.
Shane Edward Steinhauer, along with William Robert Carrigan, were arrested for an Aug. 3, 2018 confrontation at a Port Place mall parkade, where a group of youths were said to be shining laser pointers at the homeless encampment across the street. According to Ken Paziuk, Crown counsel, the two men met the group, with Carrigan producing two machetes and hitting the hood of a car. Steinhauer had a kitchen cleaver, but didn’t “brandish” it and “really didn’t have any interaction” with the individuals, Paziuk said.
Steinhauer had pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose in June and was released with conditions, but was picked up again for a breach of recognizance in the spring after he was found with a knife and a BB gun and subsequently pleaded guilty. He was sentenced on Wednesday, with Paziuk and Chris Churchill, defence counsel, entering a joint submission to Judge Ted Gouge.
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For the weapon possession charge, Gouge sentenced Steinhauer to 24 days in jail, with credit for 24 days served and similarly, he sentenced Steinhauer to 12 days in jail, with credit for 12 days served for the breach.
Paziuk told Gouge that Steinhauer has a notable criminal record, but has taken steps in terms of rehabilitation and is clean and sober.
Churchill said his client, who is of Cree and German descent, struggled with substance abuse in the past, spent time in foster care as a child and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, for which he takes medication.
Steinhauer will be on probation for one year and is prohibited from possessing weapons, being on Port Place mall grounds and being in contact with Carrigan.
Churchill told the judge that Steinhauer is currently residing at a tent city at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver, and citing an advocate at that site, said Steinhauer has worked to keep it safe, liaising with local municipal police and fire officials and assisting with outreach work.
According to B.C. court services, Carrigan’s next day in court is Thursday, Sept. 26.