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and Greater Vancouver escort A man accused of drugging and robbing customers has pleaded guilty to theft.
Jessica Kane, 32, admitted to stealing more than $92,000 and a cellphone from six men.
Prosecutors said the victim was vulnerable due to his severe intoxication.
Kane was initially accused of drugging customers and robbing them, as well as manslaughter. Those charges have been stayed.
“It doesn’t seem fair. It’s not fair,” said Alex Sherry, whose brother, Dustin Lefebvre’s death, led to a manslaughter charge.
Shirley said he was frustrated that prosecutors dropped the charges without any explanation.
“It’s unfortunate. It doesn’t seem like the right system. Something is not right,” he said.
Prosecutors did not comment on why drug charges in connection with the alleged crime in Surry County were stayed.
In Vancouver, the case collapsed when the alleged victim was unwilling to testify.
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Kane has steadfastly denied drugging anyone, according to her attorney.
Outside Surrey provincial court, Kane declined to comment.
Prosecutors sought a prison sentence for time already served for the theft.
The defense argued for a conditional release, which means Kane would not face a criminal record.
Kane’s lawyers argued that Kane had been in custody for 23 months, a sentence that was too long when time already served was taken into account.
They said she had no criminal record and confessed to the theft, sparing the embarrassed and ashamed victims from having to testify in court.
The defense further argued that the police’s conduct was egregious, including 20 violations of Kane’s Charter rights.
Kane’s life was difficult, as she worked in the sex trade to support her mother from the age of 16. The defence told the court her father abused her mother and was on Canada’s most wanted list for intimate partner violence.
Prosecutors said Kane’s crime was motivated by greed and her actions were predatory, premeditated and lasted for 18 months.
None of the victims appeared in court, but prosecutors read their statements filled with shame, embarrassment and fear to the court.
Kane was also charged with drugging and robbing a man in Alberta last year. Police have now confirmed all charges in that province have been stayed.
— With files from Rumina Daya
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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