Several B.C. men used a smoke bomb at a Vancouver drug store before attempting to steal fragrances, a Vancouver Provincial Court judge heard June 23.
One of those men, Anthony C. Britch, was sentenced to 270 days in jail for that offence as well as two other theft and one mischief charge in the case.
Crown prosecutor Louise Gauld told Judge Nicholas Preovolos that Britch and two co-accused entered a West Broadway Shoppers Drug Mart on Nov. 11, 2024.
One of the others threw the smoke bomb after which Britch damaged a cabinet to steal fragrances.
Gauld said Britch, 36, also stole garbage bags from a Safeway, bags later used to enter a store in an attempt to steal more fragrances.
Crown said Britch was later abusive toward police, telling on officer they were going to die.
“He also made several homophobic and racial slurs once in the sallyport of the police station,” she said.
Britch apologized to the court for his actions.
“I plan on staying sober,” he said. “Hopefully, I’m out of this court system for good.”
With credit for time already spent in custody, Britch has 25 days left to serve.
Britch was also sentenced to two years’ probation.
