With Joseph Galligos sitting in the prisoner’s box for the umpteenth time, Judge Thomas Dohm sat at the bench looking preplexed.
Finally, after reviewing the information, the judge looked at Galligos and asked how he got the two black eyes.
“About a week ago,” replied Galligos who offered no further explanation.
Galligos, 25, has compiled a lengthy criminal record with convictions for assault, sexual interference, robbery, break and enter and obstruction.
However, the majority of his convictions, almost 40 now, are for breaching court orders.
Typically, Crown prosecutors ask for longer and longer jail sentences as someone racks up criminal convictions. However, defence lawyer Doug Marion said it amounts to locking someone up for being an alcoholic.
That’s something that regularly occurs for Galligos.
On March 10, he received a 30-day jail sentence for breach, but was given the break of serving his time on weekends.
He didn’t do that and failed to show up at the RCMP detachment for his first weekend. Police caught up to him on March 22 when he as found drunk downtown.
As a result, he was ordered to serve the 30 days behind bars, plus another 15 days.
But it wasn’t long after his release when he was arrested again for drinking.
On Monday, he pleaded guilty to two more breaches and then Judge Dohm was challenged to come up with some sort of penalty.
The judge noted that Galligos doesn’t appear to want to take any counselling or or enter a rehabilitation program.
As well, there are no work work camps where Galligos can, “dry out and learn some new skills.” In the end, the judge ordered another 30-day jail sentence.
“”I only have so many options,” said Judge Dohm.
“The only thing that will happen…is Mr. Galligos’ liver will have a rest…the police will have a rest and two to three citizens many not have to call 911.”
The judge added that he didn’t say these things to depress Galligos, but rather to impress the fact that Galligos himself needs to seek help.
“It’s up to you Mr. Galligos, we can’t do it for you,” the judge said.
