2nd Oliver bomber sentenced

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Eric Daoust leaves courthouse with family members

One of the two brothers involved in a bombing incident in Oliver last summer was sentenced Monday in a Penticton courtroom.

Eric Daoust, 24, is now facing two years probation. The sentencing included 30 days in custody, but that was dropped due to time already served of 38 days.

A trial for the young Oliver resident was set to start Monday, but Daoust instead pleaded guilty to the lesser included charge of mischief over $5,000.

His younger brother Stephan Daoust, who was also involved in the bombing, as well as a bear spraying at the same Oliver home, was previously sentenced to 90 days in jail, to be served on weekends, and two years of probation.

Prior to sentencing, Crown Counsel Mallory Treddenick told the court that on Aug. 12, 2013, the RCMP attended the scene in Oliver, after getting complaints, and found a visible blast site, with damage to a garage in the area and to a Toyota Camry parked in the driveway.

The damage where the car was included various fragments found at the location and scarring on the cement driveway.

The blast was also heard by several residents around 2 a.m., although many thought it was lightning.

The two brothers were subjects of interest in the blast, and when they learned the police were looking for them, they went to the RCMP station.

The reason for placing the bomb, according to Stephan, was they had problems with the young man who lived in the home with his grandmother.

At the time of the actual bombing, Eric drove the car to the home on Earle Crescent and Stephan put the homemade device under the rear tire of the vehicle and lit the wick.

Stephan, who had a history of building bombs and went by the nickname Pyro 101, then ran to the car, and he and Eric sped away.

They later said, they were not intending to hurt anyone, only scare the young man who lived in the home.

Defence lawyer Don Campbell stated although Eric has a criminal record, he also has a long history of employment. Most recently, he has been working on an electrician apprenticeship in Alberta.

Adding to the difficulties, the pair were facing at the time was the father moved out of the home, which created significant conflict and was very emotional for both boys.

Furthermore, he said, Eric does not have an alcohol problem. He added it was probably fair to say that Eric on his own wouldn't have been involved in this conduct, he was sticking his neck out to help his brother and was prepared to lived with the consequences.

ICBC is also pursuing him for $1,800 for damage to the vehicle.

Prior to handing down the sentencing Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bruce asked if Eric would consent to counselling.

"Anyone who helps his brother build a bomb and puts it under someone's car and at the time was an older brother," she said. "I'm just asking in advance if he's prepared for counselling."

In giving the sentence itself, she reviewed the circumstances, stating that as a result of the brother's actions, the woman who lives in the home, has suffered substantial trauma.

The incident was also very serious in that it caused considerable property damage and could have harmed people.

As an older brother he should have also counselled his younger brother, instead of helping to build the bomb and carrying through with this.

On the other hand, he has been continually employed since graduating from high school and is now involved in the electrician apprenticeship.

Ultimately, the judge recommended treatment and counselling from a psychologist as part of his probation order. In addition there can be no contact with the people who lived in the home where the bombing took place.

Eric sat quietly during the court appearance, and later left the courthouse with several family members.