METH ADDICTIONS INCREASING IN COURT

Criminal admits drug problems to blame for crimes

Fort Saskatchewan Record -- Methamphetamines is becoming a re-occurring
factor in dealing with criminals in court, says a Provincial Court judge.

The observation, made by Judge Doug Rae, came as a result of a 27-year-old
man's admittance to having a meth problem, while using crime to feed it.

Rae said he's noticed an increase in meth use amongst criminals who appear
in court on charges.

Darcy Donald Hunter was sentenced 10 days con current to his 60-day sentence
in prison. The extra 10 days added on to Hunter's jail term was handed out
after he pled guilty to theft under $5,000. The current sentence Hunter is
serving relates to thefts in Edmonton.

According to the facts cited by Crown Prosecutor Dave Sullivan, Hunter
entered a local video store, took a Playstation II worth $350 retail off the
shelf, waited for the clerk to be out of sight, and exited the store, while
setting off the alarm.

The video store clerk chased Hunter into the store parking lot and when
catching him, demanded the console back.

Hunter gave the Playstation back without quarrel. But when the clerk asked
him to stay put while the police were notified, Hunter fled the scene.

Two years ago the suspect got onto methamphetamines, and admitted that's
when he began having run-ins with the law.

"I'm five weeks clean now," said Hunter.

"You got your whole life ahead of you," stated Rae to Hunter. "You got to
get off it.

I watch people come in and I see what it does to them. And it's starting to
take over your whole life."

"I want you to know, I understand," said Rae.