A man who suffers from severe alcoholism is hoping to get help after completing his 60-day sentence.
Bonnyville RCMP were called to the Bonnyville hospital on multiple occasions about 41-year-old Ernie Joseph Powder, who was intoxicated and causing a scene.
At 2:50 p.m. on July 10, local police were asked to remove Powder from the hospital. During the arrest, officers noted Powder was "grossly intoxicated," Crown prosecutor Jody Woligroski described.
Two days later, at 1:27 a.m., the hospital once again called RCMP asking they pick-up Powder.
He was released on a recognizance, however, he was back in custody on July 13 after officers were contacted by a resident requesting assistance. Powder was intoxicated and causing an issue. When police located Powder he was drinking from a bottle and could barely stand.
Powder was once again released from custody, but that wouldn't be the last police would see of the repeat offender.
The next day, RCMP attended the Bonnyville hospital after staff reported a man had stolen hand sanitizer from the wall and was drinking it.
Staff claimed he was acting belligerent, Woligroski noted.
RCMP attended and arrested Powder.
Woligroski described his behaviour as "concerning," and that alcohol is definitely a factor.
Acting duty counsel Hart Spencer agreed.
"This may be the worst battle with alcoholism that I've seen."
While in custody, Powder has been working with addictions staff and plans to attend a 28-day treatment program.
"It's not all doom and gloom," Spencer detailed, adding Powder knows that he can't continue down this path with alcohol because of his decreasing health.
During his appearance in court on Tuesday, Aug. 20, Powder was sentenced to 60 days in jail by Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams after pleading guilty to mischief causing damage under $5,000, four counts of failing to comply with an undertaking, and theft under $5,000.
As of his court appearance, Powder had three days left to serve.
