Image Credit: Tiffany Goodwein / Vernon Matters

By Tiffany Goodwein / Vernon Matters

Arson Fires

Armstrong woman pleads guilty to string of arsons

Jan 6, 2020 | 2:37 PM

ARMSTRONG, B.C. — A woman accused of setting a string of fires in the Armstrong area during the spring of 2018 entered guilty pleas in B.C. Supreme Court in Vernon Monday on what was supposed to be her first day of trial.

Colette Leneveu, born in 1958, entered guilty pleas for four of the seven counts of arson charges she faced.

“She understands and is admitting the essential elements of these offences,” defence counsel Glen Verdurmen said prior to sentencing.

The fires took place in March 2018 in the Armstrong area. The fires damaged three properties on Warner Avenue on March 8 and March 9. Another property was damaged on March 12 at 3085 Okanagan Street.

The court heard the fires were believed to be set by the accused lighting a fire log.

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Leneveu has no previous criminal record and was released on bail prior to her trial.

Both Crown and defence counsel agreed there are sufficient psychiatric and medical assessments available which can be used as part of the pre-sentence report requested by the judge.

The case is adjourned to Feb. 4 where lawyers will fix a date for sentencing.