ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Justin Jennings was sentenced to federal time for extortion Wednesday, but not before his lawyer made a final last-minute effort to have him released with time served.
Defence lawyer Averill Baker submitted a letter to the court from a social worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association. The social worker said she had been working with Jennings through the association’s justice program, which offers counselling and supports to inmates with mental-health issues, both in prison and for a period of time after their release.
The social worker said Jennings had exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress, which in her opinion could be partly caused by significant periods of time in segregation. She noted Jennings had started his own self-directed personal development program.
Prosecutor Jude Hall didn’t object to the submission of the letter, but noted the social worker had not been qualified as an expert witness and said her observations could apply to many inmates.
Jennings elaborated on his personal efforts when he addressed the judge, after Baker interrupted the sentencing to point out her client had not been given the opportunity to speak.
“I purchase my own books on all the things I need help with, mainly self-help books, a lot on philosophy and human anatomy, neuroscience, linguistic programming, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioural therapy), and a lot on anxiety and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder),” Jennings said to Judge Mark Pike. “I want to change my lifestyle more than anything. Please, I’m looking to change and I’ve been studying and researching everything I can. Your Honour, I need help and I am open and willing to do anything. I’m made out to be a monster and that’s how it will stay in HMP.”
Jennings spoke of his desire to start an organization of artists with the goal of producing art to raise money for charitable causes.
“I’m not trying to do all this in an effort to manipulate my way out of jail,” he told Pike. “I just want to show you my true self. If you are going to sentence me to any significant length of time in HMP, I would ask that you give me federal time so I can go and change my life.”
Pike did hand Jennings federal time: two years and eight months, stressing the seriousness of Jennings’ crime and the impact of his extensive criminal record.
“From his antecedents, it’s clear to me that Justin Jennings, despite a range of punishments including imprisonment, which has been imposed upon him over the years, appears determined to continue his criminal activities,” Pike said. “It is significant that this offence was committed within 14 days after being released for serving a sentence for assaults and for breaches of court orders.”
Jennings visited a Mount Pearl man at his residence last May, telling him that he had been sent to collect a $37,000 debt. He didn’t know what the debt was for, he said, and suggested the man pay a third of it right away or things would “get worse.” If he couldn’t pay with money, Jennings said, he’d have to pay with something else.
“From his antecedents, it’s clear to me that Justin Jennings, despite a range of punishments including imprisonment, which has been imposed upon him over the years, appears determined to continue his criminal activities." — Judge Mark Pike
The man told Jennings he didn’t know what he was talking about and didn’t have a debt, suggesting it was his friend who owed the money instead. He insisted Jennings text the person who sent him to ask for more details. Jennings eventually left, telling the man to figure it out with his friend and meet him at a nearby McDonald’s in an hour.
The man’s doorbell camera captured the exchange in a series of briefly interrupted clips.
The judge said while Jennings hadn’t used physical violence, it was a violent crime all the same, including veiled threats on the steps of the man’s home, while his children were inside.
With enhanced credit given for the time Jennings has served in prison, he has two years and two months left to serve.
Baker indicated she plans to appeal the sentence.
Twitter: @tara_bradbury
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