By Ian Holmes

Pair of armed robberies earns Nanaimo woman 5 months in jail

Apr 10, 2018 | 5:46 PM

NANAIMO — A five-and-a-half month jail sentence was handed to a woman whose startling downward spiral led to her using a large knife to rob a pair of Nanaimo convenience stores.

Caroline Green, 50, was sentenced in Provincial Court in Nanaimo Tuesday afternoon after she pleaded guilty to a pair of robberies. Green was also handed three-years probation and ordered to pay her victims a total of $1,500 in restitution.

Green’s case is unique as she is well educated, had no criminal background and no previous history of illicit drug use.

Two months after being introduced to crack cocaine, Green used a knife to rob the Fairview Store on Second St. and Malaspina Food Store on Wakesiah Ave while high on crack as a means to repay a $160 drug debt.

Judge Douglas Cowling read out a statement from Green, who expressed her “absolute regret” for her actions.

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“I’m so sorry for the fear, hate and sorrow I brought into their lives as well as to my own. Please note that I have never done anything like this before, nor will I ever again.”

Court heard Green was coerced into the crimes by a man with the street name Sparky.

There were no serious injuries in the robberies, but the ordeal left the victims “devastated, paranoid and shattered,” according to judge Cowling.

Green had what was described in Court as a normal life for 48 years. She had a happy childhood, followed by a productive career working as a surgical assistant at several Nanaimo vet clinics.

Court heard Green’s life began to unravel when her father passed away in 2012 and her former partner died of cancer in 2014.

She was fired from a local vet clinic in 2014 for her alcohol abuse.

She has taken medication for anxiety and depression for the last five years.

Green became almost instantly addicted after trying crack cocaine for the first time in July 2016. She then burnt through her savings and sold some personal possessions.

On Sept. 17, 2016 she robbed both convenience stores and was held at the Malaspina Food Store by staff until police arrived.

A pre-sentence report stated Green’s mental health, poor coping skills and addiction issues appear to be primary factors in her behaviour.

Judge Cowling said Green has not taken addictions treatment beyond detox.

The Crown lobbied for a 16-month sentence for Green.

The case was described by Crown prosecutor Frank Dubenksi as “highly unusual.”

Dubenksi said they don’t often see a female offender in this stage of life and of Green’s background get involved in serious violence.

It was hinted Green could remain living in a central Nanaimo supportive housing complex following her jail term.

Ian@NanaimoNewsNow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes