When a relative of Matthew Nieminen, who was caught on camera committing crimes, recognized him in a police video posted online, she contacted the authorities, a judge heard Monday.
His aunt took this action "because he needed some help," and today the 27-year-old man is "on the road to the right path," defence lawyer Eric McCooeye said.
Nieminen realized if she believed this, he had to do something and is now involved in a substance abuse and other programs and sees a road-to-recovery physician weekly, he told Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn.
The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of using a stolen debit-credit card to make purchases at a Sault Ste. Marie convenience store and neighbouring service station.
The offences occurred on Sept. 11, assistant Crown attorney Matthew Caputo said.
At 6:15 a.m. that morning, Nieminen used the card's tap feature to buy $99 worth of items from a Mac's store on Boundary Road.
He also purchased $96 in merchandise from a next-door Petro Canada station.
Caputo said a local man contacted city police minutes before that to report his vehicle had been broken into, and his wallet, containing the card, had been stolen.
Nieminen was arrested in November.
The Crown and defence jointly recommended that he receive a three-month conditional sentence, which would be served in the community, followed by 12 months probation.
McCooeye noted his client has "a prior but short record."
Custody may be required, but it can be accomplished by a conditional sentence, he said.
Nieminen told the judge that he was sorry for his actions.
When she imposed the sentence, Dunn commended the accused for his efforts in dealing with his substance abuse issues.
The judge sentenced him to 45 days consecutive for each count, during which time he will have a 10 p.m.-to-7 a.m. curfew.
During his custody and probation, Nieminen can't possess a debit, credit or any card with a magnetic strip unless it's legally issued in his name.
He must take all recommended programs, and provide a DNA sample for the national database.
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