A member of the RCMP watches over the scene of a triple shooting at the Good Samaritan Christenson Village nursing home in Gibsons, B.C. Tuesday, March 31, 2009. A woman being evicted from a residential care facility opened fire on at least one staff member Tuesday and was later shot by police. RCMP said no one was killed in the shooting incident at the Good Samaritan Canada Christenson Village around 4:30 p.m.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
A woman who shot and wounded the supervisor of her care home in Gibsons, B.C., has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
But Linda Howe, 41, will spend only about four years behind bars because of the time she has already served while awaiting trial.
Ms. Howe was convicted of attempted murder, robbery and weapons charges in the shooting that wounded Ken Perrier at the Christensen Village Care Home in March of 2009.
On the day of the shooting, she was facing eviction from the home because of her recent erratic behaviour.
During Ms. Howe's trial, RCMP Constable Francine Moreau testified that when officers arrived at the centre, people were running outside screaming that a woman was armed with a gun.
Constable Moreau testified that when she confronted the woman, she said it was too late and police were going to have to shoot her.
It was only when Ms. Howe began to reload the rifle that another officer fired, hitting Ms. Howe in the back and leg.
In handing down the sentence on Monday, the judge said Ms. Howe's conduct was irrational and out of character and he's confident she does not pose a risk to society.
The court also heard Ms. Howe's IQ is impaired after two serious car accidents left her mentally disabled.
The judge noted that Ms. Howe had been thriving at another nursing home, but when the Insurance Corporation of B.C. cut off her funding she was moved to Christensen Village, where she spiralled downward emotionally.
The Crown had asked the judge to impose a 12-year sentence. Her lawyer called for a four- to seven-year term, saying she suffers from mental illness.