Jean Knox recounted the night she laid helpless in her bed, while her home was ransacked by intruders.
The 98-year-old’s son read her victim impact statement on Tuesday, saying “this invasion of my home has left me angry and upset. I was forced out of my home for six weeks while repairs were made.”
The court heard the intruders broke into her Barrie home shortly before 5 a.m. on Dec. 28. Knox pretended to be asleep, while they vandalized her home.
Knox, who is confined to a wheel chair and nearly deaf, also had maple syrup poured on her.
One of the intruders, a 16 year old who can't be identified, has pleaded guilty to break and enter, mischief and assault.
The court heard this ordeal has cost Knox $20,000, most of it covered by insurance. She has also installed a new security system.
"Without this system in place I would be fearful to continue to live in my home," the statement read. “This is an unfair and unwarranted consequence of the actions taken by these young men."
The teen had an opportunity to address Knox and her family in court. He wept as he explained that he didn't know what he was thinking that night and that he bought drugs and alcohol to help cope with his struggles.
"I was never aware of anything that happened that night. I woke up completely clueless and ever since I haven't been the same. I haven't felt any desire in life. I hold myself responsible. I'm not going to blame it on anyone else."
The defence argued that the crime doesn't meet the criteria of a home invasion and wasn't violent. The defence is asking for six months deferred custody, plus two years’ probation.
The Crown will make its sentencing submissions on Friday.
The other teen charged in this case hasn't entered a plea and is still before the courts.
