Former Victim Headed To Alternative Measures But This Time As The Accused

By Robert Thomas

It didn’t take much to explain to Darwin Saulteaux as to what going through Alternative Measures entailed for the offense he was accused of.

In fact Saulteaux had gone through the program earlier but as the victim for a similar offense he was now accused of.

Appearing Monday morning before Moose Jaw Provincial Court Judge Darryl Rayner the incident involved Saulteaux allegedly smashing out of the windows and lights of a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.

Judge Rayner explained the Alternative Measures program to Saulteaux who said he was aware of it.

“I think I went through it (as a victim) when my vehicle was vandalized,” Saulteaux told the Judge.

Alternative Measures is a program where selected offenders are diverted away from being convicted.

The accused does not plead but they accept responsibility for their actions and seek a resolution with the victim which may include an apology, restitution or community service.

Upon succesful completion the charges are withdrawn.

The Judge then told the accused Alternative Measures was to the accused's benefit.

“It is to your benefit to go through Alternative Measures as upon completion the charges are withdrawn,” Judge Rayner said, adding “you are not pleading guilty but you are accepting responsibility.”

Judge Rayner then adjourned the case to April 19, 2023 to allow Saulteaux to complete Alternative Measures.

Court did not hear if the earlier incident - when Saulteaux was the victim and now when he was the accused - were related to each other.