Scammer
Banned
A St. John's man with a history of violence and alcohol abuse was sentenced Thursday to a year in jail for theft, resisting arrest and assaulting correctional officers and police.
In May 2010, Richard Quilty, 56, assaulted a man in downtown St. John's after consuming alcohol, according to evidence presented in provincial court.
After police were called, Quilty assaulted them. Later in jail, Quilty threatened correctional officers.
Months later, after he was released on bail, Quilty stole more than $3,500 from his wife. According to court evidence, when police later tried to arrest him in downtown St. John's, he kicked, punched and spat at them.
They placed what is known as a "spit hood" on him and used pepper spray to restrain him.
At a sentencing hearing, Crown lawyer Glynne Faulkner asked for the 12-month sentence that Quilty received.
In court, Faulker said that Quilty's criminal record began in 1971 and included convictions for 11 break and enters and eight assaults.
In 2005, Quilty was sentenced to four years in prison.
Quilty's lawyer said Quilty has been in trouble repeatedly because he can't control his consumption of alcohol.
"When he is under the influence, he is a danger to himself and others," said defence lawyer Tammy Drover. "He realizes that he needs some intense help."
In sentencing Quilty to a year in prison, provincial court Judge Lynn Spracklin said a period of drying out would be a good idea.
"This is another situation where if we could get rid of [substance abuse] we would all be out of a job. Here, we see another person whose personality changes with alcohol," said Spracklin.
Spracklin said she hopes Quilty will try to kick his habit and wished him luck.
Sporting a grey ponytail and a Toronto Maple Leafs hat, Quilty looked resigned to his fate as he sat in court.
