Tragedy spawned addiction that drove man to theft spree, court hears
The judge wished him well in getting his addiction under control, "but if you can't control it, don't steal"
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A Moncton-area man was released from jail on Thursday after he was sentenced to time served for series of thefts while he was struggling with addiction to dangerous drugs.
Daniel Tingley, 24, had no criminal record before his crime spree, according to defence lawyer Vincent Dubuc.
The lawyer told the court Tingley’s mother was murdered in 2020, which precipitated his drug abuse.
Dubuc said Tingley was addicted to meth and fentanyl at the time he committed his crimes. He said the offender hopes to live with his father upon release, get a job and stay out of trouble.
“I’m just so sorry to my family for everything I’ve done,” Tingley said from the prisoner’s box.
The offender earlier pleaded guilty to mischief and several counts of theft. He wasn’t in custody at the time but was arrested more than two weeks ago after he missed his sentencing hearing and was held until the court completed his matter.
Prosecutor Denis Sawyer told the court Tingley was arrested June 6 after stealing from two vehicles in Moncton. He stole licence plates, insurance documents, CDs, cash, keys and other items, which were recovered after his arrest.
The prosecutor said Tingley was in trouble again on June 15. He was trying to get into the NB Liquor store at 936 Mountain Rd. at 4:30 a.m. Sawyer said Tingley was kicking the door in an attempt to get in and kicked it so hard he damaged the door. Police were called and showed up, arresting Tingley after a short foot chase.
Tingley was stealing again on Sept. 24. Police were called when someone reported a scooter was stolen after it had been left outside a John Street location. Sawyer said the scooter’s owner ran after the thief but eventually lost him.
Police collected video surveillance from nearby locations and within a few weeks had identified Tingley in the video and arrested him.
Judge Paul Duffie accepted a recommendation for 26 days jail, considered served and also placed Tingley on probation for 18 months. He can’t go to the NB Liquor store as part of that probation order.
Duffie wished him well in getting his addiction under control, “but if you can’t control it, don’t steal.”
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