An “incorrigible” Montérégie burglar who has struggled with drug problems for years and even stole from a CHSLD has just been sentenced to 39 months in prison.
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“He is a repeat offender who appears to be incorrigible despite the numerous therapies the state offers him. Neither appears to be achieving results as they start taking again almost immediately after stopping therapy,” argued Judge Serge Champoux.
Earlier this month, the judge at the Granby courthouse made a decision on the sentence against Patrick Élément.
The 43-year-old criminal admitted his guilt to a number of counts of theft, burglary, obstructing peace officers and fraud.
The numerous crimes occurred between April 2 and June 28, 2022 in the municipalities of Saint-Joachim-de-Shefford and Granby.
“Extremely regrettable”
The burglar particularly hit a nursing home (CHSLD).
Élément stole “various items of greater value, including electronic devices.” The value of the flight is $5,640.79. It was reported that $4,024.79 was recovered.
“The crimes committed are serious. “In one case, it seems to me extremely regrettable that one entered a center that provides medical care to the elderly, sick and vulnerable people in order to commit theft,” emphasized Judge Champoux.
According to the judge's decision, Element was also caught rummaging around in a vehicle in the garage of a residence, stealing a computer, a bicycle, a bike trailer, groceries and spark plugs from a Canadian Tire.
Élément was also accused of running from police after he was stopped for speeding while driving a stolen vehicle worth about $8,000.
Multiple convictions
Patrick Élément has not suffered any initial setbacks in court.
Between 2001 and 2022 he accumulated 94 crimes for which penalties were imposed on him.
His longest sentence to date was two years less per day, particularly for attempted burglary.
Assault, domestic violence and sexual assault also appear in Élément's file, according to Judge Champoux's decision.
“Excessive consumption”
The court takes into account that the perpetrator has been battling addiction for several years.
The crimes involved in this case also occurred during a time of “abusive consumption” of crystal meth, speed and crack.
“It is very unfortunate that the defendant finds it so difficult to stop using drugs, but the fact remains that at some point his fellow citizens also have the right to be protected from him, who never stops committing crimes of all kinds,” wrote Judge Champoux.