Another year of probation for BC shoplifter who was already on probation

A man who pleaded guilty May 5 in Prince George Provincial Court to shoplifting at Lululemon and London Drugs stores was sentenced to 60 days time served and one-year probation.

Judge David Simpkin agreed to the joint Crown/defence sentencing proposal for Jacob Johan Vanderminne, 32, who also pleaded guilty to two breaches of probation orders.

Vanderminne has 13 prior breaches of probation or undertaking and 10 prior theft convictions.

Court heard that a police officer caught Vanderminne on May 8, 2024 exiting the Lululemon flagship store on Robson and Burrard streets in Vancouver with $860.16 worth of merchandise.

On Aug. 8, 2024, Vanderminne stole two razors from London Drugs in Parkwood Place in Prince George worth $123.73.

Vanderminne was already on probation, which included ban on visiting any London Drugs location in B.C. He also failed to show for a May 7, 2024 meeting with a probation officer.

The 60-day sentence is for time served because Vanderminne had been in custody for 155 days, which is counted as 233 days under the 1.5-to-1 enhanced credit system.

Court heard that Vanderminne, born in Bella Coola, had been staying with his brother in a Prince George trailer park before being jailed. He has suffered addiction to fentanyl but, while in custody, managed to get acceptance to a recovery facility.

Simpkin asked whether Vanderminne is Indigenous — a mitigating factor in sentencing — to which Vanderminne gave thumbs up. He said he still has family in Bella Coola, but told Simpkin he forgot the name of the First Nation.

Vanderminne remains in custody for a July 28 trial date on nine charges relating to a Dec. 9, 2024 incident in Prince George. He is accused of break and enter to a dwelling, theft $5,000 or under, assaulting a peace officer, wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer and personation with intent to avoid arrest.