A Brantford man, who admitted to driving while prohibited at least four times over six months, also pleaded guilty in Ontario Court to racing away from police when they tried to stop him.
Blair Pearce, 59, pleaded guilty to 10 charges, while 22 charges were withdrawn.
“His criminal record is three pages in length,” assistant Crown attorney Anthony Minelli said at Pearce’s sentencing hearing.
“He has 11 convictions for driving offences, 12 convictions for property offenses and a number of cases where he drove while disqualified. It’s a dangerous situation when an individual doesn’t stop for police.”
Court heard that, on Christmas Day 2021, Pearce and an accomplishce broke into a construction business on Bury Court and stole about $1,200 worth of items. Pearce was captured on surveillance video driving a vehicle.
On Jan. 10, 2022, Pearce was spotted driving by police, who identified him by pulling up beside his vehicle on Colborne Street. When the officer tried to stop him, Pearce drove away through heavy traffic in poor weather conditions. Police chose not to pursue the vehicle out of concern for public safety.
On April 29, 2022, a police cruiser came nose-to-nose to a vehicle driven by Pearce on Rose Avenue. When the officer activated the cruiser’s lights, Pearce reversed and sped away. He was last seen driving along Mohawk Street without “any regard for public safety,” said Minelli. Again, he wasn’t pursued.
And, on July 5, 2022, an officer saw a vehicle associated with Pearce turn into a home on Papple Road. Pearce drove across the grass and into the yard of the home and was seen walking away from the vehicle.
In all the incidents, Pearce was a prohibited driver and under several probation orders.
He pleaded guilty to break and enter, four counts of driving while prohibited, two counts of failing to stop for police, two breaches of release orders and breach of probation.
“Due to his previous convictions, he obviously ought to know better,” said Minelli.
Defense lawyer Jeffrey Fisher said his client “obviously has a severe drug issue” and wants to get counselling.
“He has no money,” Fisher said. “And, when you’re relying on the public system, the wait times are very difficult.”
The Crown and defense agreed that Pearce should get an18-month jail sentence.
Justice Robert Gee gave Pearce credit for 192 days spent in custody awaiting trial.
And he warned Pearce to deal with his addiction.
“If you don’t get your drugs under control, you’re going to keep coming back,” said Gee.
“So, if that’s the way you want to live out the balance of your life, keep it up.”
Pearce was ordered to make restitution to the construction company and supply a sample of his DNA.
He also was given a two-year driving prohibition.
“But, I think the Ministry (of Transportation) is going to take a harsher view,” said the judge.
“You’re probably never going to get a license again. So, anytime you’re caught driving you’ll be considered a prohibited driver.”
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