Two counts of forcible entry net one year in jail

A man who smashed a window with a rock in an attempt to get inside a Brandon business and forcibly entered a McDonald’s in Swan River was sentenced to almost a year in jail on Tuesday.

“Businesses try to operate as best they can, and having significant losses such as this are not helpful in terms of those businesses being viable,” Judge John Combs said in Brandon provincial court.

Christopher Hapa, 38, had pleaded guilty to two counts each of forcible entry and breaching his release order, along with a single count of theft under $5,000.

The Crown and defence jointly recommended a time-served sentence, which is equivalent to 339 days, followed by two years of supervised probation.

Crown attorney Yaso Mathu detailed the facts of the offences.

On March 9, 2025, RCMP members were sent to McDonald’s in Swan River at around 3:50 a.m., after the manager reported a break and enter.

Video footage showed Hapa pulling on a door at the rear of the business, trying to get inside, Mathu said. When police responded, they noticed damage to the door and latch.

Once inside, Hapa walked through the business and searched the garbage for food, the Crown said.

“Hapa exited the McDonald’s with napkins and sauce packets. There was no money in the registers, because they are emptied before closing,” Mathu said. She added that the fast-food restaurant had closed at 1 a.m.

The manager was alerted by a security system, which prompted her to call police.

On May 3, 2025, video surveillance captured Hapa trying to get inside Stream N Wood, a bicycle and outdoor equipment shop in Brandon.

Mathu said the store has a large front window and at night, staff cover it with a metal cage.

Video footage showed Hapa throw a rock at the window and proceed to shake the metal cage for five to 10 minutes, court heard.

“He puts his hand through the glass, trying to gain entry to the business,” Mathu said, adding that he pushed over one of the display bikes in the window.

When police arrested Hapa, he said “if he could have broken in and stolen a bike, he would have done that, except that the metal bars prevented him from doing so,” Mathu said.

The total value of the damage caused to Stream N Wood was $1,977.47, the Crown said.

Prior to these offences, on Feb. 21, Hapa and a woman stole a coffee maker, with a value of around $50, from Ace Hardware in Swan River, Mathu said.

“Deterrence and denunciation is necessary here, because his behaviour is unacceptable in terms of causing issues to local businesses,” the Crown said.

Mathu acknowledged that Hapa’s addictions, mental health issues and Gladue factors have impacted his decision making.

“I don’t think anything more can be served from having him serve more time in jail than what he already has.”

Defence lawyer Bob Harrison said Hapa has experienced a lot of health issues and had recently received a diagnosis when he committed the offence at Stream N Wood.

“He took his anger and frustration … out on the window,” Harrison said. “It’s not a defence, of course, but it’s an explanation about how he was feeling at the time.”

Hapa has prominent Gladue factors, Harrison said. He was in and out of Child and Family Services care throughout his childhood and was exposed to substance abuse and violence.

“When you’re 13 and start drinking alcohol, I think that shows you the lack of guidance in your life, and that was his case.”

Harrison said Hapa was under the influence of methamphetamine when most of the offences occurred.

He said his client hopes to enter a treatment program once he is released from custody.

Combs went along with the joint recommendation and ordered that Hapa pay a total of roughly $2,000 in restitution.

» sanderson@brandonsun.com