Stevie Daniele Pirart's defence lawyer argued a "toxic relationship" Pirart was in at the time was a major influence in the crimes she has been sentenced to. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

guilty plea

Nanaimo woman receives four more days in jail for multiple fraud schemes

Aug 26, 2022 | 3:19 PM

NANAIMO — A local woman will spend another four days in jail after pleading guilty to defrauding Island businesses out of thousands of dollars.

Stevie Daniele Pirart, 30, was sentenced to 165 days in jail on Friday, Aug. 26 in Nanaimo Provincial Court, but received credit for 161 days of time served while awaiting sentencing in custody since May 19.

Judge Wendy Bernt said she was “modestly surprised” at the joint sentencing submission from Crown and defence, due to the nature and breadth of the crimes Pirart was involved in.

“These types of offences need to be strongly deterred and denounced. Although sometimes people think of these as victimless crimes, Ms. Pirart, each of these individuals, whether you’ve met them or not, you’ve significantly impacted their life in a negative way.”

Bernt said Pirart’s guilty pleas and lack of criminal record made the joint submission make more sense and played a part in the sentencing.

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“It’s very unusual for someone with no criminal record to come before the court and have their first set of offences result in time in a criminal system where you’re subject to jail time. Often, people gradually lead up to these extremely serious crimes.”

Her defence attorney, Cheyne Hodson, said Pirart was in a bad relationship at the time of the offences, along with struggling with addiction issues for most of her life.

“I think it’s fair to say, Ms. Pirart will agree, that it was a toxic relationship where throughout these files this individuals names is mentioned as the prime suspect, but this individual is a bit sophisticated, and unfortunately put Ms. Pirart forward as the face of much of the offences that bring her before the court.”

Pirart will not be required to pay her victims back, as she has been unable to work since being arrested. She will live with her mother upon release.

Pirart pleaded guilty in May 2021 to six charges, including defrauding Steve Marshall Ford in Nanaimo out of a F-150 pickup two years earlier, where she used someone else’s ID to take possession of the vehicle.

She also used a stolen credit card to stay at an oceanfront resort in Sooke.

Pirart was found by police sleeping in the passenger seat of a fraudulently rented U-Haul in June 2019 with a number of stolen ID’s in her possession.

An arrest warrant was issued for her after she missed a January 2021 court appearance.

Her probation terms include good behaviour and having no contact with any of people or businesses she committed fraud against.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow