A Sarnia man jailed this summer for using a dead woman’s credit card just got another 1 1/2 months time served for using a different woman’s stolen debit card.
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During Edward Cuthbertson’s initial sentencing in July, a Sarnia judge told him it doesn’t get much lower than using a dead person’s card and he should be embarrassed.
At his latest sentencing, Cuthbertson, 20, told a different judge he’s looking for his purpose in life. Justice Mark Poland responded sometimes it’s easier to figure out what that purpose shouldn’t be.
“You are not good at being a criminal,” the judge said. “You need to find a different, honest-paying job.”
Defense lawyer James Guggisberg told Poland he’s explained to his client there are no smart crimes, but some are dumber than others.
“Grocery stores and convenience stores have such good surveillance that you’re basically begging for it,” he said. “Not to mention that the credit cards are so traceable these days.
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“He’d be wise to avoid pursuing this profession any longer.”
Court heard several items, including a debit card, were stolen from a Sarnia woman’s car in her driveway on May 28. The card was used to make several unauthorized purchases the next day at the Confederation Street Circle K store.
Police checked video surveillance from the store and recognized Cuthbertson, who was on bail at the time and banned from that store and using other people’s bank cards.
He pleaded guilty recently to using a stolen debit card and two counts of breaching bail and got a 45-day, time-served sentence plus one year of probation.
Though sentenced in July for two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card, among other charges, Cuthbertson was deemed a first-time offender this time because the debit card offense occurred first.
Guggisberg told the first sentencing judge Cuthbertson has dug deep into opioids, including fentanyl, and he was concerned for his client’s welfare.
The defense lawyer didn’t tell Poland of any drug issues, but did say Cuthbertson was basically destitute and homeless. His client wants a job, he’s just not sure in what field, he added.
Poland told Cuthbertson he’s probably a talented guy who could do all different kinds of work – he’s just not a good criminal.
“Good luck to you,” he said.
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