A Vancouver man with a penchant for stealing from Vancouver provincial liquor stores is going to jail for 60 days.
Mark Jeffery Bruce was facing six counts of theft under $5,000 and a probation breach count as he appeared before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Gregory Rideout.
He pleaded guilty to three theft counts.
The court heard Bruce has a habit of going into liquor stores, hiding bottles under his clothing, and leaving.
Crown prosecutor Judith Riddle said Bruce had done this even when he has had court no-go orders for liquor stores.
He had been told not to go to the liquor store at 1520 Commercial Dr. but on Jan. 30 did just that, taking two bottles of vodka, Riddle said.
"He tends to walk in, take and leave," Riddle said.
She asked for 80 days in jail.
Defence lawyer Mitchell Fogel said Bruce struggles with addiction issues and was stealing to fuel that addiction. He noted a case where Bruce allegedly stole a meal replacement from the Broadway and Commercial Safeway to feed himself.
While Fogel suggested 45 days in jail, saying "society needs a bit of a break from Mr. Bruce," the judge decided on 60 days on each count to be served concurrently.
Fogel said Bruce hopes to get into B.C. Housing accommodation soon.
"Good luck, sir," Rideout told Bruce.
A stay of proceedings was entered on the remaining theft charges.
