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By David Wiwchar

Tatoosh released, Tom jailed

May 28, 2024 | 8:17 AM

Steven Tatoosh is out of jail and the court voiced support for his continued sobriety.

On Friday, the 46-year old pled guilty to stealing a $57,000 trailer from a storage yard, driving while prohibited and impaired, and assaulting his mother among other crimes.

Lawyers on both sides noted the former Hupacasath Chief Councillor has fallen from a high place and said it’s only addiction issues that prevent him from returning to a place of respect in the community.

Tatoosh said he’s been sober since walking away from a treatment centre and being jailed 7 months ago.

Judge Alexander Wolf warned him about what will happen if he comes back before the court, but said he had faith in Tatoosh and released him on time-served.

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A 51-year old Port Alberni man will spend the next 7 years in prison for sexual interference of a 12-year old girl.

Larry Tom was on probation for a previous sexual assault sentence when he touched the vulnerable young girl.

She told the court about how she quit school and other social activities and decended into alcoholism and depression.

Tom was unapologetic and only asked the court for more time to have health concerns addressed.

Judge Wolf said the case had gone on too long already and noted that no sentence will fix what has been done to the young girl and her community.