GIVE CRIMINAL ADDICTS A CHOICE

Get Treated Or Remain In Jail

Those who have read our paper's recent series of articles on serial
auto thieves will know the mayhem and misery they cause.

But, if ever proof were needed that stealing a car really is a
serious crime, it lies in the tragic story of Burnaby dad Les Tarnowski.

The 55-year-old scoutmaster died four years ago trying to stop a
drug-addled car thief from driving away in his pickup. Thrown off the
truck when the robber crashed into a parked car, Tarnowski was killed
after his head hit the pavement.

The thief, Paul Andrew Werner, kept on stealing cars before finally
pleading guilty a year ago to criminal negligence causing death. He
was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison.

But, with two-for-one credit for the year he's already served, he
will be eligible for day parole after 14 months.

Tarnowski's wife, Marilyn, said the loss of her beloved husband had
affected every aspect of her life. Amazingly, however, she still had
compassion for Werner: "I know in my heart Les would forgive him, if
[Werner] became a productive member of society."

That, of course, is a big "if." Losers like Werner, 38, rarely change
their spots. They just go on racking up convictions (Werner had 41)
until they destroy someone else's family. And it's hard to know what
to do with them.

But our justice system has to do better.

It must crack down on the Werners of this world earlier and harder.
It must give them a choice: Take treatment for your addiction or stay in jail.