Assault, resisting arrest results in suspended sentence

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on October 6, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 21-year-old woman who was given a suspended sentence in 2020 for assault, has received another suspended sentence for a second assault, as well as other criminal offences.

Destinee Santangelo was sentenced Wednesday in Lethbridge provincial court, after pleading guilty to single counts of assault, mischief causing damage and resisting a peace officer.

At about 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 a woman called 911 from her residence in the 1900 block of 13 Avenue south, and said her son’s girlfriend, Santangelo, who had earlier been removed from the house by police, had returned and was smashing the back door and windows.

About the same time a neighbour also called 911 and said he could hear yelling and screaming, as well as things being thrown around. Santangelo’s boyfriend also called police and said Santangelo was assaulting his mother.

Police responded and saw Santangelo smashing things, and could see broken glass and a damaged door frame. They told the woman she was under arrest, but she resisted.

“She ultimately had to be put to the ground and then against a retaining wall,” Crown Prosecutor Kristi Adams said. “She was screaming that she would not be arrested, and screamed that she did nothing wrong.”

The homeowner told police she ordered Santangelo off her property, then once outside she pushed Santangelo to get her to leave. Santangelo fell into a barbecue, then stood up, grabbed the woman by her hair and threw her to the ground.

The woman’s son intervened and took his mother into the house where they called 911.

Lethbridge lawyer Cara Lebenzon said her client is originally from Manitoba and plans to return there where her one-year-old son is in the care of her mother. Lebenzon explained Santangelo has struggled with past abuse, trauma and anxiety, and the consequences of alcohol consumption.

“She doesn’t struggle with a heavy drinking problem, but when she does drink, she advises me that these things get out of hand and it’s hard for her to regulate her emotions,” Lebenzon said.

“In her words she said, ‘if I was sober this incident would’ve never happened.’ “

Lebenzon noted Santangelo has received therapy in the past and desires to again.

“I just wish I never did it, and I’m sorry,” Santangelo told the judge.

Santangelo was handed a suspended sentenced and placed on probation for one year, during which she is not to have any contact with her boyfriend’s mother. She must also be assessed and take counselling to address her problems with alcohol, relationships and emotional control.

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