A woman described as being traumatized by an abusive childhood was spared jail time for a theft conviction.
Melissa Dawn Carty, 39, was handed a suspended sentence, placed on 12 months of probation, and ordered to perform 10 hours of community service work.
Carty appeared in provincial court recently to be sentenced for stealing three pairs of sandals from the Island Beach Company in Charlottetown on July 19. She was ordered to pay $113.82 in restitution to the store and to not attend the business during the period of her probation.
Carty’s criminal record includes previous thefts, impaired driving, assault and uttering a threat.
Judge John Douglas acknowledged that Carty had a difficulty upbringing.
Her presentence report highlights the fact Carty suffered physical and sexual abuse as a child, which her lawyer Joel Wonnacott attributes to her experiencing ongoing trauma.
The court also heard Carty suffers from a neurological disease and battles alcohol and drug addiction.
She has three children, including two in need of a high level of care.
Wonnacott said his client has a lot on her plate and just wants to be home to care for her children.
