Woman avoids jail after attacking nurse outside Nanaimo hospital

The 62-year-old victim received several strikes from the weapon, primarily hitting her legs.

While Pelletier allegedly tried to steal the nurse’s vehicle, only the charge of assault causing bodily harm remained, which the offender pleaded guilty to last fall.

Following the assault, Pelletier was placed into the NRGH psychiatric ward after leaving the hospital just prior to the assaut.

Pelletier remained at the NRGH psych ward for more than two months, followed by community supervision for several months after, court was told.

Pelletier’s lawyer Chris Churchill said his client was highly mentally distressed at the time.

He quoted a medical expert’s conclusion that Pelletier was suffering from an episode of cannabis-induced psychosis causing paranoia and auditory hallucinations.

“…which convinced her that the zombie apocalypse was imminent which voices were directing her to target the victim with the end goal of being incarcerated,” Churchill told court in reference to an assessment by a psychiatrist.

Another expert concluded Pelletier knew the wrongfulness of her actions from a legal perspective.

Churchill said the case was “very close” to being categorized as Pelletier not being criminally responsible due to mental disorder.

A Gladue Report concluded psychological difficulties inflicting Pelletier were related in part to systemic inter-generational traumatic effects.

Verhoog, who did not attend the sentencing hearing, produced a powerful victim impact statement for the court.

She hopes Pelletier is improving and never does something like this to anybody else again.

“You have your whole life ahead of you, this second chance is a gift, please use it wisely,” Verhoog wrote.

While demonstrating sympathy toward her attacker, Verhoog also stated not being able to return to work caused her to be angry and sad.

“It gave me purpose and self-satisfaction in my life, it was a very big part of my identity and I continue to miss being there everyday. You took away my ability to say that I’m ready to move on and retire fully from my job.”

Verhoog also received scratches to her face while trying to fend off her attacker, who was quickly controled by hospital staff until police arrived.

Judge Brian Harvey said Pelletier complying with bail conditions, being employed and having strong family support are all important factors.

“Great work’s been done by yourself to secure your mental health care moving forward. I note that you’re employed, I congratulate you for that, it will go a long way to getting you to being a productive member of society.”

Counselling provisions are among several conditions Pelletier will be tasked with abiding by.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Woman avoids jail after attacking nurse outside Nanaimo hospital

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