By Ian Holmes

Woman convicted after high-profile vigilante style arrest in Nanaimo

Apr 24, 2019 | 11:04 AM

NANAIMO — A woman who pleaded guilty to a widely reported break-in was set free due to credit for more than four months served in custody.

Natasha Geraldine Harris, 28, was sentenced to six months in jail in relation to a break and enter at a Marisa St. home on Dec. 4, 2018.

Harris stole several items from the south Harewood home and was then chased and tackled by two occupants who happened to be home at the time.

In addition to the break and enter, Harris pleaded guilty to the common assault of Ashley Stevenson. Harris also admitted to bolting from a Chilliwack healing lodge just six days after a Nanaimo judge granted her bail in January.

Harris was also handed a year probation, which included a mandatory DNA sample and a weapons ban.

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During a joint submission Wednesday morning, court was told Stevenson was hit once by Harris following a chase through several backyards. The offender was eventually contained following what police described as a very violent altercation.

Harris was on probation at the time for a theft conviction last summer.

Her lawyer, Cheyne Hodson, said Harris is extremely embarrassed by her actions, which were widely reported by multiple media outlets.

Hodson said Harris, who’s from Chemainus, had a rough upbringing and was exposed to parents and grandparents who abused alcohol.

Harris struggled with an addiction to opioids, which expanded from alcohol abuse by the time she was 19, according to Hodson.

She completed several certificates for her addiction in jail and plans to continue further treatment, Hodson said.

Judge Brian Harvey said he was encouraged with progress made by Harris while in custody, but warned her longer stints in jail would be in order for future similar offences.

“Break and enter into a dwelling is a very, very serious offence. So serious that Parliament has deemed it fit with the maximum punishment of life in prison for adults,” Judge Harvey said.

Harris sat silently on video from the Alouete Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge during her appearance.

Harris elected not to address the court prior to her sentencing. 

“I have nothing further to say, I rest my case,” Harris said.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes