It’s Canada, after all.
VICTORIA, British Columbia (AP) � A homeless man is asserting he is entitled to sleep on the grounds of a historic site in the British Columbia capital, even if he winds up in prison.
David Johnston, 32, pleaded guilty Thursday to violating a probation order banning him from the 21 acres of manicured lawns, fruit trees, flower beds and a gazebo at St. Ann’s Academy. Sentencing was set for next Thursday.
Johnston claims he has a “right to sleep undisturbed in a public-access place” and has not disputed testimony by St. Ann’s officials who say security personnel and groundskeepers have repeatedly removed his furniture, bedding and garbage.
He said Thursday he will continue to disregard probation orders and regulations until a judge agrees that he has a right to sleep peacefully in public places.
This is also known as the “It’s winter in Canada and jail is warmer than the outdoors” plan.
Of course, he says that it is about ‘rights’,
While others may be disturbed by his presence, “that luxurious enjoyment is secondary to my sleep,” he argued.