A former Brant County man, who amassed 46 charges over 16 months as he was repeatedly arrested and released, thanked police and the court for stopping him.
“There’s no ifs, ands or buts about what I did,” Michael Munday, 34, told Ontario Court Justice Gethin Edward during his sentencing.
“I was capable of making my own decisions and, clearly, I made the wrong ones and I’m prepared to pay the price for my decisions.”
Munday even thanked his ex-partner who called police after he assaulted her.
“At first, I was mad at everybody but myself,” he said. “But, after being in here this time, I stayed in long enough to think about what I did and it’s nobody’s fault but my own.
“So, thank you to you all.”
Crown Assistant Alex Burns said Munday is one of the area’s well-known “catch-and-release” cases.
Court heard that the man had an excellent work record before he became addicted to cocaine.
Edward, a frequent critic of the bail system, said Munday’s comments were refreshing.
“This case makes our criminal justice system the laughingstock of the entire country,” said the judge.
“We’re talking about an individual caught and released probably 10 or 11 times.”
He said Munday must bear responsibility for part of the problem since he thing to use cocaine, commit crimes and apply for bail.
“(But) good for you for recognizing the system didn’t do you any favors by perpetually releasing you,” he said. “It will take individuals like you to say enough is enough.”
Munday pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including: two counts of assaulting his former partner, stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle and then defrauding a metal recycler by selling it; breaking into a towing compound to retrieve his seized vehicle; possession of break-in instruments; and eight counts of breaching orders or not showing up for court.
“Your record is now saddled with numerous offenses,” said Edward. “If you’re in trouble again a justice of the peace is going to see these offences. It used to be the death knell for anyone trying to get bail.”
Munday also faces charges in North Bay, Ont., where he was raised. He said he’s working on a plan for his release that involves working at either an Ontario mine or a dam in Western Canada
“I read in the paper that it costs $10,900 to incarcerate one inmate for a month and I’ve been in here 14 months,” he said.
“That’s an absolute embarrassment.”
While in jail, Munday is finishing his high school courses since his father promised to help him get a vehicle upon his graduation and release.
“I’ve always been a contributor to society and I’ve quite learned my lesson.”
Edward said Munday has shown integrity.
He sentenced him to the equivalent of 16 months of time served and placed him on probation for 18 months. During that time, he is not to be in Brant County and is to get counseling for substance abuse.
Munday remained in custody to deal with his North Bay charges.
@EXPSGamble