Prolific offender jailed for extensive drug-related break-ins

Highet somehow gained access to Fairway Market’s security code where he then cleaned out $26,000 worth of lottery tickets and cigarettes from the Nanaimo North Town Centre grocery store.

A cookware store on nearby Metral Dr. was victimized during a break-in by Highet the next night, resulting in a $14,000 loss.

In a 2019 incident, the owner of convenience store in Bowser interrupted Highet after he broke in and punched the suspect several times. Highet managed to get away, however police positively identified him from the store’s surveillance footage.

Other businesses in Port Alberni, Campbell River, Parksville and Qualicum Beach were also broken into by Highet, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen products.

Highet favoured cigarettes and lottery tickets during the thefts, which the Crown said are goods known to be easily flipped for cash.

He also stole two vehicles, further connecting him to the various break-ins. A search warrant at his Coombs home turned up a substantial amount of stolen items.

Narroway said if this case went to trial Highet would have almost certainly been convicted and received a much more severe penalty.

“These are a large number of break and enters, significant value and significant impact for those businesses who now have to go through insurance…those costs are always passed down to consumers,” Narroway said.

She strongly lobbied for a custodial sentence in response to arguments from defence attorney Stephen Littley, who requested a community-based sentence.

Littley said his client is sober and hasn’t offended while released on bail.

“So what’s the benefit now of jail over a conditional sentence? In terms of deterrence, he’s not doing it anymore. He’s sober now, so he’s in a position where he’s unlikely to do it anymore,” Littley said.

A pre-sentence report stated Highet elevated from recreational drugs as a teenager to hard drugs like crystal meth in his 20’s.

He reported no childhood abuse or neglect.

Judge Lamperson raised concerns about the absence of formal rehabilitation programming undertaken by Highet during his path to recovery.

The Judge said Highet’s criminal record, including five prior break and enter convictions, can’t be ignored.

“My decision turns to a large extent on Mr. Highet’s fairly significant record and the sheer number of break and enters which he committed to which he’s plead guilty,” Lamperson said.

The offender has been jailed three times previously, ranging from three months behind bars to a year-long sentence.

Highet reported he turned away from substances following the death of his girlfriend, who was hit by a car while she walked along the Trans-Canada Hwy. near Nanaimo Airport in 2020.

Following his jail sentence, Highet will serve two years probation with numerous conditions, including staying away from the businesses he broke into.

Several other charges laid against Highet were dropped as part of a plea deal brokered between the Crown and defence.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Prolific offender jailed for extensive drug-related break-ins

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