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Duguay, 31, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property, as well as possession of marijuana and two breaches of his release conditions relating to outstanding drug charges in Manitoba.

Blake said police received a tip from the public after video was posted online showing Duguay stealing two Japanese maple trees worth $1,000 from pots outside the Royale Brasserie restaurant on 17th Avenue S.W., in the early morning hours of Aug. 8.

The video showed Duguay, while walking his Jack Russell terrier, Lucy, approach the restaurant’s entrance, yank the trees from their pots and walk away, with the dog in tow around 3 a.m.

After the anonymous tip it was Duguay on the video, police went to his apartment in the 1700 block of 11th St. S.W., Blake told Van Harten.

Officers smelled a strong odour of marijuana and arrested Duguay for simple possession after he answered.

They then entered the apartment to secure the scene, the prosecutor said.

“In plain view in Mr. Duguay’s bedroom were the two Japanese maple trees as well as a bag of marijuana,” Blake said.

She said conditions of Duguay’s release included that he live at a different residence and not possess drugs or weapons.

An air soft gun was also found.

Although the plants were returned to their rightful owners, the restaurant was out some cash in having to refill the pots, Blake said.

Snukal said the equivalent of 11 days was “well in excess of what he ought to receive for this.”

“Really, he should have received fines, not jail,” she said.

Snukal said Duguay’s conduct was as much foolishness as it was criminal behaviour.

“It was a huge mistake, it was extremely stupid,” the lawyer said, adding while Duguay has a criminal record it’s a minor one.

“He has never served any jail time for any (prior) offence.”

Snukal said Duguay is also now facing an arrest warrant in Winnipeg, because he failed to show up for a scheduled appearance Tuesday while he was behind bars in Calgary.

KMartin@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @KMartinCourts