After stuffing a bottle of rum down his pants, Darrick Louie made a quick exit from the Riptide liquor store.
However, he left behind a bag containing his job resumes. As well, video surveillance captured the theft.
On Monday, the 29-year-old appeared by video in Campbell River provincial court where he pleaded guilty to theft and two violations of a court order by consuming alcohol.
The court heard that Louie has struggled with alcohol, but was doing better and working in construction until a knee injury hobbled him in the spring. As a result, Louie said he began to suffer from depression and started drinking heavily.
“I made the mistake of drinking and look where it’s got me,” he said, appearing by video from cells in Victoria.
“Did you drink it?” asked Judge Roderick Sutton, referring to the stolen bottle of rum.
“To be honest, I don’t remember,” Louie replied.
Louie offered to pay for the stolen bottle and to write a letter of apology. Crown prosecutor David Fitzsimmons asked for a $750 fine, but the judge fined Louie $350, plus $25 restitution.
Judge Sutton also asked about Louie’s aboriginal heritage.
Louie is a member of the Okanangan First Nation, but was raised on Cortes Island at the Klahoose reserve.
He’s currently living on the Homalco reserve in Campbell River with relatives, so the judge also ordered him to perform 50 hours of community service, specifically directed towards the elders of the community.
Judge Sutton also urged Louie to speak with the elders.
“Don’t be afraid to ask the elders if you’re in trouble,” the judge said.