Man who broke Fort Macleod Main Street store window gets probation

A man who smashed a window on a Main Street business was sentenced Wedesday to a year of probation.
Todd Harlen Bastien pleaded guilty in Fort Macleod provincial court to a charge of mischief.
Court learned Bastien had been referred to the alternative measures program but did not complete what was required.
Court was told Fort Macleod RCMP received a mischief complaint on Sept. 12.
Police learned that two men were walking on Main Street when one of them kicked a display window at Tru Hardware, breaking the glass.
A witness identified the two men, who were still in the area, for police.
Crown prosecutor June Ling said Bastien, who was drunk, immediately took responsibility.
“He admitted he had kicked and broken the window,” Ling said.
Tru Hardware spent $1,613.54 to repair the broken display window.
A victim impact statement submitted by Tru Hardware owner Andrew Busekom spoke of the expense and inconvenience caused by Bastien’s actions.
It took 3 1/2 weeks to repair the window, which accounted for about one-third of Tru Hardware’s display space.
Ling told court Bastien did not have a criminal record and accepted responsibility by entering a guilty plea.
Judge Gerald DeBow followed the Crown’s recommendation of a suspended sentence with one year of probation, during which Bastien must report to a probation officer, attend counselling for substance abuse and abstain from the consumption of alcohol.
Judge DeBow also made a compensation order that allows Tru Hardware to seek restitution from Bastien in civil court.
The Crown withdrew a second charge of mischief as well as a charge of failing to attend court.