Jason Klughart was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept 29. His unresolved drug addiction issues were referenced at length during his hearing. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By Ian Holmes

prolific offender

‘He doesn’t have much to show for his life:’ chronic offender jailed for latest Nanaimo crime spree

Oct 1, 2021 | 7:21 AM

NANAIMO — A man’s unresolved drug addiction continues plaguing him, the judicial system and society.

Jason Paul Klughart, 30, was handed an eight month jail sentence on Wednesday, Sept. 29 after he pleaded guilty to theft charges and a probation breach linked to incidents earlier this year in Nanaimo.

Klughart pried loose a $3,000 mountain bike from a parked vehicle at a Nicol St. motel on March 21, while he was also busted driving an RCMP bait car in downtown Nanaimo on July 30.

The bike wasn’t recovered.

The Crown’s Sabrina Avery said Klughart has a seven page long criminal record, virtually unbroken since 2010.

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“What the record does demonstrate Your Honour is that Mr. Klughart is essentially a prolific property offender,” Avery said.

Klughart was released from jail earlier this year after serving a nine month sentence for a theft involving a vehicle, she said.

Defence lawyer Stephen Taylor said the facts speak for themselves — Klughart will continue going back to jail “again and again” if he fails to address his substance abuse issues.

“He doesn’t have much to show for his life at 30-years-old,” Taylor said. “I’m hoping his new awareness is sincere and that he might commit himself to a drug-free lifestyle.”

Judge Harvey warned Klughart that longer jail sentences would be applied if he continues committing serious offences like stealing vehicles.

Klughart’s year-long probationary term includes completing treatment programs as directed by his probation officer.

He’ll serve a further four and a half months behind bars due to credit for time served.

Klughart’s extensive criminal history primarily involves property crimes in Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes