Michael James McCormick of Sooke will remain in custody and serve an additional 63 days.
The sentence, handed down in Western Communities Provincial Court in Colwood on Thursday, followed his guilty plea for one count of uttering threats, one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and two counts of breach of probation.
McCormick, 36, was arrested on July 20 for uttering threats, the same day RCMP discovered the body of his mother, Pamella Dyer, in her home on the 2200 block of French Rd. in Sooke. Her death has been ruled as suspicious and is still under investigation.
McCormick has been on probation for previous convictions since Aug. 15, 2013. Since then, he has been convicted on six separate charges – including this week’s result – for assault, breach of probation, uttering threats and failure to keep the peace.
Crown counsel Steve Salmond recommended a sentence of 90 days for the threats uttered and 30 days for the breach of probation, to “reflect the seriousness of (McCormick’s) criminal history.”
Defence lawyer Tom Morino made reference to McCormick’s history of substance abuse and mental health issues. He recommended McCormick receive credit for time served, in part so that he could attend his mother’s service on Friday (Aug. 8). McCormick had been in custody for 18 days prior to today’s hearing.
Judge Anthony Palmer agreed with Crown and sentenced McCormick to 90 days for the uttered threats, and 30 days for breach of probation, to be served concurrently.
McCormick was given credit for time served and will remain in jail for 63 days. He is banned from owning any firearms, explosive devices or other weapons for 10 years and Palmer recommended that he provide a sample for the national DNA registry.
by Angela Cowan, acowan@goldstreamgazette.com
