(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

City crime

Man involved in home invasion receives jail sentence

Jul 24, 2019 | 10:23 AM

A man who was found lurking around a Prince Albert couple’s bedroom when they awoke, has received a two-year jail sentence.

Frank Ballantyne, 20, was sentenced Tuesday at Court of Queen’s Bench in Prince Albert for his role in the incident that happened in August, 2018 in the 500 block of 19th St. W.

Ballantyne and two youths made off with the family’s PS4, laptop, SUV and even the wife’s wedding dress. According to the statement of facts by Crown lawyer Maureen Longworth, the SUV was later located abandoned in the Hazeldell area. Ballantyne was picked up by police walking back toward Prince Albert, while carrying a puppy he purchased at Sturgeon Lake First Nation that same night.

Ballantyne was also sentenced in connection to a break and earlier that month on Dunn Drive. A woman had been out celebrating her 74th birthday with her family when Ballantyne entered her home through a window and stole her TV, as well as a set of vehicle keys. Ballantyne received a two-year sentence in connection to that incident as well. Both sentences will run concurrently.

In addition to his jail sentence, Ballantyne was ordered by the judge to pay his victims over $5,400 in restitution. Once released from custody, he will be on probation for 18 months and will have a curfew. Ballantyne was given credit for 345 days spent in custody and has 213 days left remaining.

Court proceedings

Crown stays sexual assault charge against Waskesiu business owner

3h ago

Elevate Your Self-Care Game With These Smart Lifestyle Moves

Nov 15, 2024

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

In his submissions to the judge, Ballantyne’s lawyer Dale Blenner-Hawcett said Ballantyne was remorseful for his actions and admitted to being on methamphetamine at the time of both incidents. Hawcett added Ballantyne expressed his desire to make a change in his life and finish Grade 12 before pursuing post-secondary training through Sask. Polytechnic.

In his closing remarks Judge L.W. Zuk told Ballantyne he heard hundreds of promises from people who appeared in front of him.

“Only you can determine if you will be back in court.” Zuk told Ballantyne. He indicated if he were to appear in court again, he will likely receive a jail sentence.

—

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell