‘Public shaming’ factored into sentencing for naked man in grocery store

By Teena Monteleone

The man who was captured on video running around naked through the Prince Albert Superstore will not spend any more time behind bars.

Calvin John Jobb, 51, was sentenced to four months in jail by Provincial Court Judge Mary McAuley on Wednesday, but was credited for time already served in remand.

In her sentencing report, McAuley spoke about the public humiliation and shame Jobb faced since a video of the incident went viral online. She said some people, including store employees, were traumatized by his actions, while others “thought it was hilarious.”

“He caused humiliation to himself and his family,” she said in court. “He scared people and he is remorseful and has apologized.”

The incident happened March 3 around 7 p.m. Jobb smoked what he thought was marijuana but it turned out to be crystal meth. Jobb, who said he had never smoked the drug before, began hallucinating and believed someone was trying to kill him.

Legal Aid lawyer Robert Rooney clarified to the court that his client was convinced people put electronic tracking devices in his clothes and that’s why he removed them.

Witnesses saw Jobb swing a broomstick, yell at customers, damage cash registers and jump into one of the meat coolers. It took four police officers to get Jobb out of the store and, at one point, he grabbed an officer’s Taser.

Court heard Jobb’s criminal record dates back to 1984. This was his 69th sentence. The Crown was asking for 12 months in jail but McAuley said she considered significant Gladue factors in her decision. A Gladue report is a pre-sentence review which considers an Indigenous offender’s background.

Growing up, Jobb was exposed to alcohol and drugs in his home and in the community of Southend. He experienced sexual abuse when he was seven years old and again while attending residential school. He also struggles with alcohol addiction.

After handing down the four-month sentence, McAuley addressed Jobb directly and told him it was his responsibility to overcome his past.

“If you come back to this court in the future and say, ‘My past got to me again,’ it becomes less potent,” she said. “Your job is to turn your life around. Break the cycle. It is a generational cycle and if you don’t (break it) you’ll pass it down to your kids.”

An emotional Jobb responded with an apology and said he continues to take steps toward addressing his problems.

Jobb faces 18 months probation and has several conditions of his release. He is not allowed to attend the Prince Albert Superstore and has to write a letter of apology to staff there. He is to pay a restitution of $196 to cover the cost of meat and other food that had to be thrown away after his arrest. He is not allowed to go to bars or liquor stores and must seek counselling and help for his addiction.