Man viciously assaulted in downtown Nanaimo drug related attack

Police met with the uncooperative injured man at the hotel, relayed Crown counsel’s Leanne Mascolo.

The victim was able to identify Arndt, whom he recognized from jail, but couldn’t identify the other three assailants, two of whom were masked.

Selling drugs in the area was stated by the victim as a matter of contention.

“Mr. Arndt is no stranger to the court system and certainly has violent offences on his record, but the Crown took into account his guilty plea, his involvement in the offence and what could be proven at trial,” Mascolo said.

There were doubts whether the complainant was willing to testify at trial.

Arndt, 33, was arrested and charged five days later and has been behind bars ever since.

He pleaded guilty to wearing a mask while committing an indictable offence, as well as a downgraded simple assault count, after originally facing an assault causing bodily harm charge.

A joint submission was accepted by judge Chris Churchill, resulting in an 18-month jail sentence, followed by 18-months probation.

Arndt is slated to serve a little more than a year further in jail due to pre-sentencing credit accrued.

The onslaught happened while Arndt was on probation, having served jail time for a prior assault causing bodily harm conviction.

With a long documented criminal history, defence attorney Cheyne Hodson told court his client has long struggled with drug addiction.

A few years ago, Arndt’s fiancé died, which Hodson said had severe negative impacts on his client, causing him to lose direction and focus.

“He had a real difficult time with that and slipped into that lifestyle,” Hodson told court.

Speaking remotely from Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich, Arndt addressed the court.

“I did love my life and I spiraled downhill very quickly and made some poor choices, but I’m done, I’m done, this is the last time you guys will see me in here. I’ve got a good release plan.”

Arrangements are being made for Arndt to stay post-release in the Victoria area courtesy of BC Housing.

Having spent considerable amounts of time behind bars throughout his adult life, Arndt’s criminal record spans back to 2013.

In addition to battling addiction, Arndt has also dealt with housing instability.

Court was told he benefits from a supportive mother and sister.

Arndt’s case reinforces escalating incidents of severe violence in the downtown Nanaimo area, primarily involving targeted crimes related to drugs and marginalized people.

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by Ian Holmes

Man viciously assaulted in downtown Nanaimo drug related attack

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