The man who attacked a stranger with a knife in Deep Cove in May 2024 will face three years of probation but have no criminal record.
Alexander Currie, 41, received his sentence in North Vancouver provincial court on Friday morning.
On May 25, 2024, Currie attacked Bryan McLaren as he was riding his scooter up Deep Cove road, stabbing him in the helmet three times and screaming “I’m going to kill you,” according to an agreed statement of facts read out in court.
A passerby helped McLaren escape in his vehicle and Currie was arrested. He attacked an officer while being booked at the North Vancouver RCMP detachment.
Currie pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a weapon, uttering threats and mischief. The Crown dropped its charges of attempted murder and assaulting an officer.
Both the Crown and Currie’s defence submitted that three years of probation would be appropriate, followed by a conditional discharge – meaning Currie won’t have a criminal record.
The circumstances of the offences were serious, Judge Joseph Galati acknowledged at the outset of his ruling, and were it not for the Currie’s bipolar episode, he would not be eligible for such a lenient sentence.
“He was actively psychotic and suffering paranoid delusions,” Galati said, adding that Currie hadn’t had any manic episodes since 2009 and his behaviour at the time of the offence was totally out of character.
Since the incident, Currie has been receiving regular psychiatric and psychological care and taking meds, which have resolved his manic symptoms. He remains “extremely motivated” to comply with treatment, “which is usually the decisive variable for a good outcome,” Galati said.
Given the circumstances, it would not serve society’s interests for Currie, who is a lawyer, to be left with a criminal record, pending successful completion of his probation, Galati found.
“Mr. Curry’s moral culpability for the offenses is significantly reduced by his mental illness, having directly impacted his offending conduct. Further, Mr. Curry has accepted responsibility, pleaded guilty, and, I am satisfied, is genuinely remorseful. He has taken extensive steps toward his rehabilitation, and has the strong support of his family, friends and colleagues. He has the tools and support necessary to manage his mental health going forward,” he said, wishing Currie good luck.
While on probation, Currie will have to follow the treatment prescribed by his doctors and stay off non-prescription drugs and alcohol. He will also have to pay $594 to cover out-of-pocket expenses his victim incurred and submit a DNA sample to police.
The Law Society of B.C. meanwhile, says Currie is still subject to an undertaking not to practise law.
“Any resolution of a criminal matter does not automatically result in a change in practising status, nor does it result in the conclusion of any investigation or disciplinary action that may be underway. The Law Society’s investigation and disciplinary processes are separate from criminal proceedings,” a statement from the Law Society read.
