No jail for accomplice in robbery attempt
Victim still recovering after being hit with bullet fragments
Last Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009 | 3:25 PM CT
CBC News
A Regina teen who drove the getaway car following a violent attempted armed robbery that terrorized a local couple has avoided jail for her role in the crime.
The young woman, who's now 18, was charged when she was 17 and cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
She pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to an Oct. 9, 2008, attempted robbery at a drive-through bank machine on Albert Street in Regina's south end.
On Monday, she was sentenced to six months of deferred custody which she will serve in public under strict conditions, followed by a year of probation.
Her sentence can be converted to jail time if she violates any of the conditions imposed by the judge.
Court heard that the girl was with two adult men who used firearms to intimidate a Regina couple using the automated teller machine.
The men fled the scene without taking anything from their victims, but a shot was fired into the back of the couple's car.
Bullet fragments lodged in Bernadette Sanheim's head, arms and chest.
Couple now lives in fear
Court heard on Monday that Sanheim still needs a number of reconstructive surgeries to repair the physical damage.
A victim impact statement written by Sanheim had to be read by a court worker after Sanheim's husband broke down when he rose to address the court.
The statement said the victims still live in fear and noted that Sanheim still suffers a great deal of physical pain.
The teen apologized before her sentence was pronounced.
"I am so sorry this happened," she said, visibly trembling. "I wish it hadn't."
The teen admitted to using cocaine, taking pills and drinking alcohol before the crime, but said she's been sober ever since.
She had no prior criminal record.
In addition to the deferred jail term and probation, the teen must also perform 50 hours of community service.
Scott Pyle, 26, is serving a five-year prison term for his part in the incident and the case of another man accused in the attempted robbery is still before the courts.
