Sentencing adjourned for driving convictions

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on April 5, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 31-year-old man who nearly struck a police officer with his vehicle as he fled from a traffic stop, has pleaded guilty to several offences but won’t be sentenced until later this summer.
Eric Steven Brown, who pleaded guilty Monday in Lethbridge provincial court to charges of driving while prohibited, dangerous driving and obstructing a peace officer, is set to return to court June 1 to hear sentencing submissions from his lawyer and the Crown prosecutor.
Monday’s hearing was adjourned to allow time for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and Gladue report, which will provide the judge with Brown’s personal circumstances and aboriginal background to help determine a fit sentence.
All three charges stem from an incident just after 2 a.m. on Sept. 16 of last year after Lethbridge police notice a Dodge Caravan strike the curb as it turned onto South Parkside Drive from Mayor Magrath Drive. Police conducted a traffic stop and, while talking to Brown, who was the driver, learned he was prohibited from driving.
While talking to Brown and a passenger, another officer noticed alcohol behind the vehicle’s centre console. Brown was asked to step out of the vehicle but he refused. He also refused to turn off the vehicle. The officer asked the passenger to turn off the vehicle, which she did, but after removing the keys from the ignition, Brown grabbed them from her and started the engine.
Brown continued to ignore the officers’ demands to turn off the vehicle, then put it into gear and sped off. Crown Prosecutor Michael Fox pointed out the road was clear of traffic, but instead of driving straight ahead, Brown turned hard to the right, forcing one of the officers to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.
Police, who estimated Brown reached speeds in excess of 100 km/h, did not attempt to pursue him.

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