SUMMERSIDE - A man who borrowed his landlord's vehicle had his plans backfire, both on the road and in court.
Cedric Julien Rheal Arsenault, 22, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of taking a motor vehicle without consent.
On July 6, a 2000 Ford Ranger quarter-ton truck was reported as stolen from a Miscouche residence where Arsenault and another man were tenants. The truck belonged to the property's landlord, but did not have a valid inspection and needed repairs.
Around 4 p.m., police located the vehicle abandoned on South Drive.
A short time later, Arsenault's roommate called police and took full responsibility for taking the vehicle. Shortly after that, Arsenault called and admitted taking the truck without the owner's consent because the roommate needed a drive.
Arsenault said the truck began to sputter on South Drive, so he left it there.
He has an unrelated previous record.
Defence attorney Yolande Richard said her client maintains a good relationship with his now former landlord, and even paid back the cost of towing the vehicle.
Judge Jeff Lantz called the incident a lapse in judgment and fined Arsenault $350.
