Theft over $5,000
R. v. Slauenwhite
Sentence and the Crown's position
A conditional sentence is served in the community, usually under house arrest. It counts as no custody here.
What the law allows
Natasha Slauenwhite pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000 for taking $6,229.91 from her employer's businesses in 2021 while working as a bookkeeper, at a time when she had pleaded guilty to 12 earlier thefts and was awaiting sentence. The Crown sought a 12-month conditional sentence followed by 36 months of probation; the defence sought a six-month conditional sentence. Justice Rowe imposed a 12-month conditional sentence on house arrest followed by 24 months of probation and ordered restitution, citing the abuse of trust and the need for denunciation and deterrence.
In the judge's words
1I find that in light of the objectives of denunciation and deterrence that a conditional sentence order for 12 months, on house arrest, is appropriate in this matter.
The record
- Convicted of
- Theft over $5,000 (CC 334(a))
- Prior convictions
- Not recorded
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 6 months conditional sentence1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: Leigh-Ann Bryson
Defence: Matthew Fancey
Sources
- R. v. Slauenwhite, 2025 NSSC 390 Court decision, CanLII, November 3, 2025
[23] The Crown is seeking the following: … A Conditional Sentence Order for a period of 12 months, with terms detailed in Tab 1 of its brief, inclusive of the community service order for 240 hours within 11 months; … Probation thereafter for a period of 36 months, with terms as per Tab 1 of its brief;
[24] The Defence submits that the appropriate sentence is: … A Conditional Sentence Order for 6 months with the same terms as provided in Tab 1 of the Crown brief
There is no minimum term for the s. 334(a) offence.
[1] Ms. Slauenwhite has pled guilty to a single offence contrary to section 334(a) of the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46.
I find that in light of the objectives of denunciation and deterrence that a conditional sentence order for 12 months, on house arrest, is appropriate in this matter.
[46] In conclusion, Ms. Slauenwhite is sentenced to 12 months (365 days) of a conditional sentence to be served in her home on full house arrest. … [48] At the conclusion of this conditional sentence she is to serve 24 months (730 days) of probation.
- R. v. Slauenwhite, 2025 NSSC 390 Court decision, Courts of Nova Scotia