Allsbrook Rd. in Parksville, where Robert Douglas Lightle, 45, went on a shocking rampage after excessive crack cocaine use. (Google Earth)

By Ian Holmes

shocking crime

Law-abiding man turned heavy crack cocaine user sentenced for terrifying rampage

Dec 4, 2019 | 5:48 AM

NANAIMO — A middle-age man with no prior criminal history spiraled out of control due to a crack cocaine addiction, leading to a shocking crime spree in Parksville.

Robert Douglas Lightle, 45, received a suspended sentence and 18-months probation in relation to a drug-fueled rampage in July, 2018 which sent a young family scrambling from its home.

A remorseful Lightle was sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 3 in provincial court in Nanaimo after he pleaded guilty to six mischief and weapons related offences.

Crown prosecutor Ken Paziuk detailed how a delusional Lightle walked into an Allsbrook Rd. business the morning of July 26, 2018, waving around two machetes and an ax handle. An employee reported to police the offender, unknown to him, was freaking out and yelling “Where’s the blonde?”

Lightle broke a lock box with a machete then left the office two minutes later.

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Paziuk said Lightle walked to a nearby property on the same street, damaged an RV parked there and smashed a window to get into a home.

A scared six-year-old boy ran out from the home to his mother in the front yard.

When the panicked mother ran into the house to get her young daughter, she saw Lightle.

Lightle yelled to her “Where’s Angela.”

Angela was his girlfriend at the time.

His erratic behaviour continued when he left the home and climbed onto the roof of an adjoining tire shop.

Oceanside RCMP arrived on the scene at this time.

They drew their guns after Lightle jumped to the ground and smashed the window of the shop.

He was arrested without further incident.

While in custody, police reported Lightle was agitated, speaking fast and showed signs of mental instability.

Lightle was adamant a blonde woman was being raped in the building.

He spent a week at the Nanaimo Hospital psychiatric ward and two weeks in custody before being granted bail.

Lightle first appeared on Oceanside RCMP’s radar three weeks prior.

They tracked him down and recovered a loaded rifle from his truck in early July, 2018.

His girlfriend had filed a complaint about a physical confrontation the two had during a period when the pair were heavily using crack cocaine together.

She said Lightle was unstable and believed she was the victim of a pornography ring with people were out to harm her.

Lightle was arrested at the time and released on bail.

Paziuk said Lightle’s downfall is an unusual case.

“Mr. Lightle appeared to be a law-abiding and contributing member of society up until fairly late in his life when he became involved in drugs that sort of took over from there.”

Defence lawyer Michael Ritzker said “life was collapsing” for his client. He was forced to sell his home to pay off debt in the lead-up to his crimes.

Citing a psychiatric assessment, Ritzker said it’s important for Lightle to maintain his mental health, seek treatment if symptoms re-emerge and avoid drugs.

Lightle was assessed as a moderate risk to re-offend violently over the long-term.

Ritzker said Lightle fully obeyed strict bail conditions over the last year-and-a-half and is working with his family doctor on a rehabilitation path.

A pre-sentence report said Lightle had gained insight into his behaviour and showed remorse.

“I regret everything that happened,” Lightle told court in a brief statement. “I can’t say sorry enough for what I’ve done.”

Several character references describing Lightle as well-liked by many people were provided by Ritzker.

Three supporters, including Lightle’s parents, joined him in court.

Judge Brian Harvey told Lightle he’s fortunate to have people in his corner.

“That speaks volumes for the accused person in my view. Because often this court, sadly, has to sentence people who are standing there alone,” Judge Harvey said.

Lightle’s probationary terms includes no alcohol and illicit drug use without a medical prescription and a five-year weapons ban.

The traumatized mother was awarded nearly $9,700 in restitution from Lightle, primarily for property damage and security enhancements. The damaged RV was uninsured at the time.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes