Repeat offender jailed for ‘terrifying’ Nanaimo rock-throwing incident

The couple pulled over and called police.

The victims also took pictures of Morecroft, assisting Nanaimo RCMP in arresting him later the same day.

He’s been in custody ever since.

The incident represented a blatant breach of a recently imposed court order prohibiting Morecroft from possessing weapons, including rocks.

In a victim impact statement, the driver said she no longer feels safe.

She wrote the rock was thrown directly toward her head, believing Morecroft was trying to kill her.

“If my window was open, I believe he would have seriously or fatally wounded me. It was terrifying.”

NanaimoNewsNOW has chosen not to identify the woman.

The damaged vehicle could not be driven for nearly two weeks, while shards of glass remained embedded in the seats and carpet, requiring professional removal, she wrote.

“I’m worried that this man will find out who I am and come back into my life to inflict further violence. I am scared that he will physically harm me or my husband at some time in the future.”

Defence lawyer Lou Shelling told court housing instability and addiction have been longstanding issues for his client.

“He perfectly understands her concerns, but he has no idea who she is. Same as the owners of stores, he’s broken storefront windows or restaurant windows.”

As part of a year-long probation order following his release, Morecroft must comply with court orders relating to mental-health appointments, programming and prescribed medications.

Shelling said random outbursts have been a common theme in Morecroft’s offending.

While in jail, Shelling said Morecroft is attempting to secure transition housing and counselling to help him readjust after his release.

“That’s his intention, and hopefully he follows through,” Shelling said.

Morecroft’s mother remains highly concerned for her son and is an important source of support, court was told.

Morecroft declined to address the court.

He has an extensive criminal record in Nanaimo dating back to 2016, including six mischief convictions and eight convictions for breaching court orders.

Provincial court Judge Christina Proteau told Morecroft he needs to get a handle on his behaviour.

“It’s only by good luck nobody was seriously injured,” the judge said.

Morecroft has nearly two months left to serve at Nanaimo Correctional Centre after receiving credit for time spent in pretrial custody.

A mid-July sentencing hearing outlined an extensive series of offences by Morecroft in Nanaimo between last November and June, including four mischief charges and an assault.

He was convicted of throwing rocks through two businesses, damaging two vehicles and instigating an altercation with a woman before spitting in her face in downtown Nanaimo.

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by Ian Holmes

Repeat offender jailed for ‘terrifying’ Nanaimo rock-throwing incident

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