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Dangerous driving, chase ends in jail for Innisfail man

An Innisfail man who tried evading police four times through dangerous driving, a foot chase and using false names was sentenced to 45 days in jail and slapped with fines totalling about $5,500 in Red Deer provincial court on Tuesday.

An Innisfail man who tried evading police four times through dangerous driving, a foot chase and using false names was sentenced to 45 days in jail and slapped with fines totalling about $5,500 in Red Deer provincial court on Tuesday.

Wessam Haimour, 39, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including obstructing a police officer, dangerous driving, cocaine possession, and breaching terms of release. He was also found guilty of driving without a licence and registration.

Judge E.D. Riemer said Haimour acted in a way that was dangerous to the public — particularly when he wove a vehicle through traffic, trying to get away from police in Innisfail on April 12.

Haimour’s four latest brushes with the law started on March 31 and continued to April 23.

He first gave a false name to police when he was found to be driving without a licence.

Haimour didn’t also have the appropriate paperwork when police tried to pull him over the second time — but police lost him as he sped off, dangerously weaving his vehicle through traffic.

Two days later, Haimour was recognized by police while sitting in a cab.

He took off on a foot chase after failing to pay the cab driver, but was apprehended by an officer, charged, and given a conditional release.

On April 23, Haimour was a passenger in a speeding vehicle that was pulled over by police near Blackfalds.

According to Crown Prosecutor Tony Bell, he was found in possession of an illegal drug — crack cocaine. Haimour again tried evading police by using a false name, but was charged with breaching his terms of release.

Lawyer Patty MacNaughton said her client has “fallen under the spell of drugs,” leading to his troubles.

As mitigating factors, she said Haimour is the father of a four-year-old son and has helped support his family. “There were no injuries in the (car) chase and police got him two days later,” MacNaughton added.

But Riemer said Haimour should find “more to live for than committing criminal offences.”

The judge called him a threat to the community and said Haimour needs to take his responsibilities more seriously and provide a better example to his son.

As well as the fines, he was sentenced to 45 days in jail, which he already served in pre-trial custody.

lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com