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KAMLOOPS - A man charged with fraud and drug possession has been ordered to spend the next 55 days behind bars by a Kamloops Provincial Court judge.

David Tarrant, 33, will also spend 12 months on probation and has been given an 18-month driving prohibition.

Court heard that on Jan. 8 police were called to a Money Mart in Kamloops. Tarrant had gone in the month before to cash a government cheque for more than $1,400.

An employee from the government office called the Money Mart in January and said that Tarrant had changed the name and the amount on the cheque.

RCMP issued a warrant for Tarrant's arrest.

On Feb. 2, a squad car was doing routine patrols in the Brocklehurst area when they spotted a white Ford pick-up truck sporting U-Haul decals. 

Officers say they observed a man and woman standing outside of the house the vehicle was parked at and their constant looks up and avoidance of eye contact made them "look suspicious."

Crown prosecutor Oliver Potestio told the court that officers recognized Tarrant and the suspect ran to the back driveway with an accomplice, got into a vehicle and took off.

Officers caught up with the vehicle and saw what appeared to be the driver attempting to switch positions with the passenger.

The suspect vehicle sped up and ended up blasting through a school zone, where officers say there were children on the street. The police didn't pursue the vehicle for fear of public safety.

Tarrant was arrested three days later, Feb. 5, after police received several calls about erratic driving. He was found to have 0.8 grams of heroin on him.

Crown sought a 90 to 120 day sentence, while defence asked for 60 to 90 days.

Defence lawyer Sheldon Tate told the court Tarrant has not lived an easy life.

"He's had somewhat of a disruptive and difficult upbringing," Tate said. "But he's an intelligent young man with bright prospects."

Tarrant has a common-law wife who was present in court today, July 7. When Judge Stella Frame asked Tarrant if he'd like to say anything before being sentenced, he took the opportunity.

"I know I've done a lot of wrong things in my life... I just want the opportunity to change my life," Tarrant said. "(My wife) makes me want to be a better person in every way possible."

Frame pointed out that Tarrant has slowly been trying to make positive changes to his life, but said "the sentence still must meet the crime."

Tarrant received an 81-day sentence with credit for time served.

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