Nanaimo Man's Reckless Vigilante Justice

In a surprising turn of events, Jeffrey Andrew Benvin, a 49-year-old man from Nanaimo, has narrowly escaped further jail time after pleading guilty to shooting a trespasser with rubber bullets on New Year’s Day last year. Instead, Benvin has been sentenced to a Conditional Sentence Order (CSO), requiring him to serve an additional 162 days in the community.

Court's Decision and Reasoning

During a sentencing hearing on August 27 in the B.C. Supreme Court, Justice Douglas Thompson expressed his belief that Benvin acted out of a misguided desire to protect his property, rather than out of malice. He pointed out Benvin’s perception of a vigilante role, stemming from past traumatic encounters with trespassers, including physical assaults that heightened his fears.

A Victim Torn Apart by Recklessness

The court revealed a disturbing sequence of events on January 1, 2024. Around 7 a.m., police arrived at a facility on Tenth St. to find a 43-year-old man severely injured. Benvin had reportedly fired multiple shots, including a final shot at the man's back after he allegedly made a comment about threatening Benvin's dogs, who weren’t present at the time.

Remorse and Sentencing

Despite the severity of his actions, Justice Thompson noted Benvin’s apparent remorse, as demonstrated by an apology letter addressed to the victim and his demeanor during over a year of pre-trial custody, where he was considered a model inmate. Additional sentencing conditions include a nightly curfew, mandatory community service, and a prohibition on possessing weapons.

Community Support and Reflections

Letters of support flooded in for Benvin from colleagues and community members, describing him as a dedicated and hardworking individual. His defense lawyer acknowledged Benvin's lack of judgment and urged the court to consider the context of the incident before making a ruling.

Wrap-Up: A Cautionary Tale

In a candid moment before his sentencing, Benvin stated, “I’m sorry this happened. I wish it never did.” His case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands. As he faces the remaining time of his conditional sentence, one can only hope he has truly learned that some situations are best left to the authorities.