Subject of lockdown at JSCN receives 15 days jail for breaching bail conditions

By Nigel Maxwell

A man responsible for a recent lockdown on the James Smith Cree Nation has received a 15-day jail sentence for breach of court-ordered conditions.

Keenan Crawford Head, 34, appeared by video when his matters were discussed Monday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court. While the case had initially been scheduled for a bail hearing, a guilty plea was instead entered to a single breach charge.

According to facts read by Crown prosecutor Gail Douglas, on the morning of July 25, Prince Albert police received information Head cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet.

Upon going to the residence in the city where Head was expected to be on a 24-hour curfew, police found the broken bracelet lying on the sidewalk. Head’s family member at the house told officers she had been sleeping and did not know where he was. On the kitchen counter was a note written by Head.

“Saying he was sorry and that he would see her soon,” Douglas said.

When the woman was asked where Head may go, she replied mostly likely back to the James Smith Cree Nation.

Based on information provided last week from the RCMP, Head was driving a stolen vehicle when he went to the James Smith Cree Nation. The next day, police found the SUV abandoned. While there was an initial report Head may have been armed, no guns were found.

On July 27, Head was arrested without incident.

When given the opportunity Monday to explain his actions, Head told the court he had a mental breakdown and needed to talk to someone. Referring to himself as one of the survivors of last September’s stabbing attacks, Head said he’s having difficulty dealing with it.

With respect to the breach charge, the Crown had been seeking a sentence of 30 days, while defence, noting Head had accumulated five days in custody, suggested time served would be more appropriate.

Provincial Court Judge Hugh Harradence ultimately decided on a sentence of 15 days, minus time spent in remand which leaves seven days to serve.

Upon his release, Head will return to the prior conditions he was on which include living at the approved residence in Prince Albert, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Head still has a number of matters before the court, and in the fall will appear for two separate trials in Melfort. His outstanding charges include assault with a weapon and common assault, and there’s two related to firearms.

A representative from the James Smith Cree Nation was in court Monday to view the proceedings.