PRINCE ALBERT – A Big River First Nation man was sentenced Feb. 4 to 12 months in jail for a violent home invasion.
Christopher Vandale, 37, was arrested July 8 after Big River RCMP received a firearms complaint at a residence on Big River First Nation. Police say that a vehicle drove up to a residence, smashed a window and shot into the home and at a vehicle on the property.
Vandale fled but police located him at another property on Big River First Nation where a woman was assaulted and forcibly confined. Inside the house police seized three firearms and ammunition.
Vandale was charged with forcible confinement, unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and failing to comply with a release order.
Judge H. M. Harradence sentenced Vandale to 12 months in jail. He was given 323 days enhanced pre-trial credit. This means he had one day left to serve.
Sandra Gayle Campbell, 36, from Big River First Nation was also arrested. She was charged with kidnapping, uttering threats, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life, assault with a weapon, assault, mischief, possession of a firearm in a vehicle, careless use of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, and possession of a restricted firearm.
Campbell was denied bail. Crown prosecutor Robyn Ermine waived Campbell’s attendance in court Jan. 11. Defence Ian Mokuruk was given leave to withdraw as her lawyer on the grounds that it was a conflict for legal aid to represent her. She is now scheduled to appear in court Feb. 15.
The charges against Campbell haven’t been proven in court.
