Jail and probation given to man who assaulted girlfriend, stole her debit card

By Jeremy Appel on October 31, 2018.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

A Brooks man who pled guilty to attacking his ex-girlfriend and stealing her debit card has been sentenced to six months in jail and one year probation.

Douglas Patterson, 33, appeared in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on Tuesday, where he pled guilty to assault and theft under $5,000.

According to the Crown, on Sept. 18 police received a 911 call from Patterson’s then-girlfriend.

She had spilled some oil in the garage while conducting an oil change, after which Patterson hit her with an open hand multiple times.

Upon arrival, they found the victim with bruises on her face and a cut lip. Patterson had already left the scene with the victim’s debit card, which had fallen from her pocket while doing the oil change.

The Crown said Patterson’s criminal record dates back to 2004, when he was convicted of multiple property crimes.

In 2007, he was sentenced to 18 months probation for an assault.

Since then, he’s been convicted of uttering threats, choking and assault causing bodily harm, among other offences.

His sentence was a joint submission from the Crown and defence.

“He has a horrendous alcohol problem,” said defence lawyer Stephen Bitzer.

Although Patterson was so intoxicated he doesn’t remember what happened on Sept. 18, he accepts the allegations as fact, Bitzer added.

He’s been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 20, so Patterson will serve an additional four months with time served.

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