An Alexander First Nation man has been sentenced to 120 days in jail, followed by 18 months of probation, after a contested sentencing hearing for assaulting a pregnant woman.
Kenneth Victor White, 40, appeared in Westlock Court of Justice on Oct. 9 by CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre, facing charges of assault with choking, as well as a separate ticket for performing locksmith duties without a license.
During the hearing, Crown Prosecutor Eric Mosley recommended a 180-day jail sentence followed by 12 months of probation, while defence attorney David Keyes sought 90 days in jail and 18 months of probation.
Court heard that the incident occurred in September at a residence in Vimy, where White choked the woman both inside the home and outside. Keyes said that his client pleaded guilty to avoid subjecting four witnesses to the ordeal of a trial, which he described as potentially "gruelling."
Keyes also noted that White waived his right to a Gladue report, which considers the unique circumstances of Indigenous offenders such as a family history of residential schools and experiences of abuse.
White's grandparents attended residential school, and he endured severe physical and emotional abuse from his parents during childhood, growing up in poverty and often relying on food banks.
The defence highlighted White’s struggles with meth addiction, describing it as a “special type of hell.” Keyes said that despite the impending jail time, the real hardship for White is the separation from his children. With that, White wiped his eyes.
In addressing the court, White expressed remorse, saying, “I would like a chance to build my family. I would like to get back up with them sooner rather than later, but that’s in your hands, sir.”
Justice T. W. Achtymichuk told White that what makes his offence worse was that it was an assault against a pregnant woman and done in front of other people.
“I take into account the history of colonialism in Canada,” he added. “It helps explain what brings you before the court.”
When White was arrested police found a small bag of locksmith tools, court heard. Possessing them requires a license. He was fined $750.
According to court records, he faces additional charges of two counts of breaching release conditions and driving while prohibited.
He was also ordered to provide his DNA to the National DNA Data Bank.
