A 43-year-old woman who has been in prison since her teenage years for a murder conviction has been given an additional 12-month sentence for restraining two correctional officers. The judge in Nova Scotia highlighted the extended periods of isolation the woman has endured during her time in the corrections system.
Judge Ian Hutchison delivered the sentence in Truro, N.S., for Serena Tobaccojuice, considering her Indigenous heritage and her lengthy history within the federal prison system. Tobaccojuice, also known as Serena Nicotine, is among Canada’s longest-serving female inmates and has spent significant time in solitary confinement, including under a strict protocol that has since been discontinued.
The judge described Tobaccojuice’s prison experiences as “difficult to comprehend,” emphasizing how they influenced the recent confinement offenses she committed. Despite being incarcerated for a murder she committed at 15 and having a history of taking hostages in prison, Tobaccojuice pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful confinement last year.
In October 2022, Tobaccojuice blocked the door of her unit at the Nova Institution for Women, brandishing tweezers as a weapon, and threatened the guards. Although no injuries occurred, her actions led to the charges. The court learned that she was seeking medical assistance and was concerned about potential deaths like those of other inmates she knew.
The prosecution recommended a three-year sentence, while the defense sought an absolute discharge. Judge Hutchison ultimately rejected the discharge, citing the seriousness of the offense but also acknowledging the progress Tobaccojuice had made in her rehabilitation efforts. He stressed the need for a sentence that balances deterrence with a chance for her to see a future outside of prison.
Tobaccojuice’s defense lawyer highlighted her traumatic upbringing and experiences in the foster care system, pointing out the impact of systemic racism on her life. Despite feeling disappointed with the sentence, Tobaccojuice appreciated the judge considering her history and Indigenous background during sentencing.
Tobaccojuice, who remains incarcerated for the murder conviction, has been eligible for parole since 2018 but has not pursued it. The decision on her potential release lies with the parole board. Prosecutors emphasized her dangerousness and the importance of maintaining order in prisons, underscoring the complex factors at play in determining her sentence.