The open road will be closed to a local man for the next three months after he was sentenced to house arrest for a road rage incident.
Michael Steven Steiert, 30, pleaded guilty this week to a single count of mischief. He was handed a three-month conditional sentence and a year of probation.
On January 23, Steiert had a road-rage incident with a St. Albert couple while driving in Edmonton and he followed them to their home.
He argued with the couple in their driveway and when the couple turned away to go inside their home, he took a hammer to their car and broke several windows, as well as causing other damage to the car.
Crown prosecutor Jeff Morrison argued Steiert needed to serve jail time because of his extreme reaction and his criminal record, which is lengthy and includes other incidents of violence.
He said the sheer randomness of Steiert’s attack was disturbing. “He doesn’t appear to have even known the couple.”
Steiert represented himself in the case and apologized both to the court and the victims, who were not present. He told Judge Brian Fraser a jail term would severely disrupt a life he was trying to turn around.
“I am 30 years old right now. I am employed and I am up for promotion,” he said. “I realize and understand what I did was wrong, but I don’t think it deserves a jail sentence.”
Fraser came back with the conditional sentence after briefly leaving the courtroom for his deliberation. He said he wanted a sentence that would deter Steiert and allow him to continue supporting his family.
During his three-month conditional sentence, Steiert will be confined to his home except for work and several small exceptions.
Under the probationary terms that will continue after the three months expire, he will have to take any counselling his probation officer recommends and avoid any contact with the victims.
Fraser also required Steiert to pay the couple $603.06 for the damage he caused, which was far short of the $2,600 they asked for. Fraser told Morrison he would need more information to justify the greater total.
