Criminal wants more jail time

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A Hamilton judge says it was a first for him in his 35-year-long career; a man pleaded guilty to armed robbery then begged for an indefinite time behind bars. Billy Cummer told the judge, I’m 46 years old. I’ve been in prison since I was 16. I’m so institutional I function better in the system. This isn’t the first time Cummer has asked a judge for more time behind bars, he did the same about 10 years ago. His lawyer says he wanted at least 5 years so he could move to an out of province facility.

“He only understands the system in jail. He knows where his place is, he knows what to look for, that’s his community.” Larissa Fedak has been Cummer’s lawyer since the mid 90s. Back then, he didn’t have as many tattoos and he was about 100 pounds heavier. He looks different now. The tattoos make it hard for Cummer to socialize, she says. He doesn’t know to apply for assistance or access medicine for his mental health issues or get food after the foodbank closes. Cummer had a strict Christian upbringing, but changed after he was sexually assaulted at school as a pre-teen.

Justice Toni Skarica told Cummer he couldn’t give him life in prison. “I’ve seen people who are absolutely evil. You’re not irredeemable yet.” He sentenced Cummer to 12 years, said he’d be out in 6 and should try harder to be productive when he’s free. Fedak says the judge’s words gave her client hope.