ADDICT'S PARENTS LAUNCH DRUG CAMPAIGN

The parents of a young man shot by police on Aug. 10 are launching a
public awareness campaign on the perils of crystal methamphetamine
after their son was given a 17-month jail sentence Thursday.

"We're quite serious in doing something that will make a difference.
There is a lack of understanding of crystal meth and its effects,"
said Linda Duvall, whose son Jesse Allan Loewy, 21, was shot by police
after a drug-induced rampage.

"It's a major problem that will continue unless we address it. It is
our neighbours (and) your children in this situation," she told
reporters outside the courthouse.

Since his time in remand, Loewy has acknowledged the devastation the
drug caused, but "the road to full recovery will be long and
difficult," Judge Peter Kolenick said in handing down his sentence.

Loewy has recovered after being shot in the ribs. He has changed his
attitude, said defence lawyer Morris Bodnar.

The young man once fantasized of being shot and killed by police. Now
he feels remorse and has a plan that includes finishing school and
heavy duty mechanic training.

Loewy wants to help with the anti-meth campaign, according to Duvall.

It was his suggestion to call it MAM -- Mothers Against Meth, she said.

Her husband and Loewy's father, John Loewy, said the sentence does "a
good job of balancing the need for community vindication with that of
the individual's life being rebuilt.

"I hope what comes out of this for Jesse is an opportunity to look at
life freshly."

Duvall shed tears after the decision and was hugged by Loewy's friends
outside the courtroom as her son was escorted past in handcuffs and
leg shackles.

He was sentenced to 17 months in jail followed by 18 months probation.

The Crown wanted 21/2 years in a federal penitentiary (two years after
credit for remand time is included), while Bodnar requested nine to 12
months in a correctional centre and 24 months probation.

The sentence includes six months for unrelated charges of mischief and
assault to be served concurrently.

Loewy must undergo addictions counselling and psychiatric treatment
during his probation. He also had his driver's licence revoked for a
year.

Kolenick noted factors in Loewy's favour included no criminal record,
the "love and care" shown by friends and family in court and Loewy's
skill as a mechanic, electrician and carpenter and his desire to
pursue a related career.

Kolenick noted Loewy's behaviour on Aug. 10 was a combination of
drugs, psychiatric problems and ongoing distress from an accident at
age 15.

He was driving the family car with his learner's permit and Duvall at
his side when an elderly couple crossed the road with no time for
Loewy to stop. The impact killed the couple.

The couple's family didn't blame Loewy, but "you can't help but hold
on to guilt," said Duvall.

Everything came to a head on Aug. 10 when Loewy stole a 1996 Dodge Ram
at gunpoint from a Saskatoon resident and fled. An off-duty officer
witnessed the theft and pursued.

Loewy drove through traffic lights and stop signs, forcing pedestrians
to jump out of the way, according to the police report.

He pulled up to the family home ran inside.

Officers surrounded the home as he screamed profanities before
emerging with a sawed-off .22-calibre rifle and pointing it at police.

He ignored orders to drop it and was shot.

"I have a lot of regrets about this day and I don't blame the police
officer that shot me," he said in court.

"I hope things go well for you, son. With no past criminal record
there is good potential for you to rehabilitate. I wish you all the
best," Kolenick told Loewy.

Bodnar called crystal meth "one of the most dangerous drugs that has
come into our community."

It has worked its way north from Mexico over 10 years as people
learned to create it in amateur chemical labs.

Duvall has learned much about it as a result of her son's addiction.

She has been in touch with others who experienced the damaging effects
personally or through loved ones.

As well, the family received letters from strangers offering sympathy
and encouragement.

The support has been the catalyst for the planned crusade.

The couple is planning public events that will include speakers and
those who have created support and education programs in other provinces.

They implored the media outside of the courthouse to help get the
message out when the time comes.