Last Sentence in Extortion Case Delayed

By 250 News

Scott Payne will  have to wait  till late next week to find how much time he will serve for two counts of extortion and one of aggravated assault.

He is one of the young men  convicted  in connection with activities of the Crew, a gang that was selling crack -cocaine in Prince George.

Payne was the one who dealt out  punishment to one customer who couldn’t come up with the money to pay a $170 dollar debt.  Payne cut off one of the man’s fingers.  He was also present when another customer was punished.  The Crown says  his very presence at the second attack likely had an impact on the person dishing out the violence (in this case an attack with a medieval axe) and likely prevented the victim from trying to resist the assault.

Pointing out Payne’s previous convictions, the Crown  asked the Court to deliver a sentence of no less than 7 years for the aggravated assault and 4 years for the two counts of extortion.

On the other side, the Defense for Payne told the Court how this young man had been in an abusive family.  "His father is currently serving time in California for domestic violence"  lawyer Daniel Geller told the Court.  He went on to paint a picture of a young man who was abandoned by his mother, was a victim of his father’s physical abuse, was seized from the streets of Vancouver at the age of 8 "He has had no help, no guidance on how to become a productive member of society" said Geller.  He requested the Court deliver a sentence that will give the young man some skills and will allow the 24 year old to take full advantage of the  rehabilitation programs available. 

"His life was a  day to day struggle for survival" said Geller,  who  said being tough and taking advantage of opportunities presented to him were the keys to his survival.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Glen Parrett said while he views  the  convictions as "Extremely serious offences"  he wanted some time to review all sentencing options in the light of the details of Payne’s background. "The sentencing options could take us in  several different directions" said Justice Parrett.

Justice Parrett will deliver sentence  on Thursday September 28th.

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