Another individual who led police on a chase down the highway was sentenced to jail time last week.
During Estevan provincial court on Aug. 9, Oliver Meixner pleaded guilty to two counts of impaired driving, one from Aug. 3 and the other from July 9, failing to stop while being pursued and possession of cocaine. A charge of dangerous driving was stayed by the Crown prosecutor.
The Aug. 3 pursuit began in Estevan when police noticed Meixner driving erratically. When they activated their emergency lights, Meixner continued to drive out of town. The low-speed chase sent officers after Meixner on Highway 39 towards Weyburn, but it was noted the driver did not go above 70 kilometres per hour.
A spike belt was laid on the road near Midale, deflating the car's passenger tires, but Meixner continued. A second spike belt was deployed near Halbrite, deflating the car's remaining tires. Meixner continued to drive on the car's rims for four miles before coming to a stop. At that point, officers executed a high-risk takedown.
Because the local courthouse has seen a number of cases in the last couple of weeks where an individual does not stop for police, Judge Karl Bazin wished to review the others before deciding on sentencing.
Crown prosecutor Andrew Davis added, "This court can take notice of the high frequency of evading charges as well as dangerous driving charges in this jurisdiction. It's important to send a strong message that this conduct is not acceptable."
Davis said the Crown was requesting a 12-month jail sentence for Meixner. His Legal Aid lawyer asked for a shorter jail term of only eight months.
Addressing the judge himself, Meixner said, "I'm embarrassed about it. It's something that's not in my character to do what I did. I guess I would ask for your leniency in that regard."
The following morning Bazin sentenced Meixner to four months in jail, followed by 18 months probation. He will also be subject to a one-year driving prohibition and $2,000 in fines.
In other court proceedings, Brent Hoffos pleaded guilty to impaired driving. The principal at Spruce Ridge School was pulled over by police after they received a Report Impaired Drivers call on July 15.
Hoffos entered blood alcohol readings of .21 and .21, close to three times the legal limit.
Judge James Benison ordered a fine of $1,500 and Hoffos is prohibited from driving for the next 12 months.
Dates for a preliminary inquiry were scheduled for three individuals who are charged with break and enter committing an indictable offence therein. Ayla Schachtel and Peter McQuinn have been charged together and their hearing will begin on Jan. 24, 2013. Joseph Debigare's hearing was scheduled for the following day.
They are all alleged to be involved in a home invasion in November 2011.
