Arctic “Cowboy” lassoes year in jail

Mosesee Nowdluk, 37, was sentenced to a year in jail for arson and assault charges dating back to May 2001.

Nowdluk – known as “Cowboy” to friends – torched an Iqaluit apartment after becoming enraged over a stolen bottle of bootleg booze. He also assaulted a woman by slapping her when she refused to give him money.

A jury found Nowdluk guilty on both counts last fall. He was sentenced on April 24.

Justice Robert Kilpatrick called the blaze a “wanton, impulsive and reckless act” in revenge for the stolen bottle of liquor.

Damage to the apartment was estimated at $50,000.

“It was only good luck and not good planning that no one was injured,” Kilpatrick said.

Before delivering the sentence, Kilpatrick noted Nowdluk’s refusal to take part in any treatment or rehabilitation programs during his two years of pre-trial custody.

The missing liquor was one of several bottles Nowdluk bought by selling stolen goods, the court heard. A charge of break-and-enter laid against him is still before the courts.