(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

VERNON - A Vernon man who fled from police by car and by foot, even jumping into traffic, has received a sentence of just over two months in prison.

Dana Prevost, 45, appeared in Vernon Provincial Court today, Dec. 12 to plead guilty to four charges. He accepted his involement in one count of flight from police officers, one count of driving while prohibited and two counts wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. 

In sentencing, Judge Monica McParland said a police officer spotted Prevost in a vehicle July 18, 2018. Prevost was wanted on suspicion of being unlawfully at large and a series of thefts earlier in the year (he was found guilty of these charges in October), so the officer attempted to stop him. Prevost, who was prohibited from driving, sped away, leading officers in a dangerous road chase on Highway 97.

"The driving exhibited put himself, the public, and the officers in danger," Judge McParland said.

She said Prevost eventually got out of his vehicle and fled on foot, jumping into traffic. He continued to resist even as the officers arrested him.

"It was highly dangerous, crazy behaviour," Judge McParland said. "I don't have any other way of describing it.

Prevost, who appeared in court via video, attributed his erratic behaviour to sleep deprivation.

Judge McParland noted that this incident is Prevost's eighth driving while prohibited conviction. She considered his reckless behaviour during the chase to be aggravating factor; however, she also noted that Prevost has suffered several assaults from other prisoners while in custody, which has resulted in broken ribs and a concussion.

"You have suffered significantly," she said.

The Crown asked for a five-month prison sentence, while defense asked for time served. Judge McParland settled on 120 days imprisonment, but Prevost has already served the equivalent of two-and-a-half months.

Judge McParland also ordered Prevost to pay a $500 fine.

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