Sault Man Receives 150 Days in Jail After Pleading Guilty

UPDATE: A Sault Ste. Marie man, Allan Smythe-Lance, has been sentenced to 150 days in jail after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including assault and theft. During a hearing on Thursday, Smythe-Lance expressed his weariness with the court system, stating, “I’m getting too old for this.”

In a troubling series of incidents, Smythe-Lance, who has a lengthy criminal history, assaulted a man at a residence on Huron Street on April 13. He also admitted to stealing items from a home on St. James Street in March, and strangling a woman at a Letcher Street residence in July, causing damage to her property.

Assistant Crown attorney Andrew Allen characterized Smythe-Lance’s criminal record as “horrendous,” highlighting previous convictions for assault, robbery, sexual assault, and sexual interference. Defense counsel Eric McCooeye noted that Smythe-Lance had made progress since 2019, but admitted that personal relationships had led to disruptions in his life.

In light of his past behaviors, Ontario Court Justice Robert Villeneuve emphasized that Smythe-Lance must take responsibility for his actions. The court accepted a joint submission for a proposed sentence that included 150 days in custody, effectively increasing his previous 100 days of pre-sentence custody.

As part of his sentencing, Smythe-Lance will be placed on probation for 24 months, during which he is required to attend counseling for anger management, substance use, and domestic violence. Additionally, he must participate in the Partner Assault Response program, provide a DNA sample, and refrain from possessing weapons for the next 10 years. He has 12 months to pay a $400 fine.

This case highlights the ongoing struggles with recidivism and the challenges faced by individuals attempting to turn their lives around. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the consequences of repeated offenses and the importance of rehabilitation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.