P.E.I. man sentenced for evading police, drug possession
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A PEI man who evaded police while possessing 74 methamphetamine pills has escaped jail time.
Justin Andrew Bradley, 39, appeared in Charlottetown Provincial Court on December 15 and pleaded guilty to fleeing police and drug possession. QC Jeff MacDonald received an additional charge of dangerous driving.
Escape from the police
MacDonald told the court that on Sunday, October 30, Charlottetown police were on general patrol and stopped on Gerald Street off University Avenue. Officers heard a loud noise from a red Chevrolet Cobalt on University Avenue hitting the brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle from behind. The vehicle was stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street. The Cobalt drove around the stopped vehicle, continued north on University Avenue, and then made a left onto Summer Street, MacDonald said. Police activated their emergency lights and siren and followed the vehicle as it moved at high speed. The vehicle — driven by Bradley — did not stop for the police, instead proceeding through a few side streets and then back onto University Avenue. It then became a parking lot where police could block the exit.
74 methamphetamine pills
Regarding the drug matter, US Attorney Jacob Zelman said that during Bradley’s arrest, police searched his vehicle and found a belt pouch containing 74 methamphetamine pills. Zelman said Bradley appears to be trying to “get rid of” the fanny pack, but no further details were given. MacDonald noted that Bradley has a long and “very active” criminal record, but there have been no convictions since 2015.
MacDonald added that Bradley has been fine lately and continues to lead a “pro-social lifestyle” but had a “bad slip” on the day of the offenses due to pressure from post-tropical storm Fiona the previous month. The circumstances surrounding Bradley’s possession of the 74 methamphetamine pills were not explained in court. Bradley also spoke briefly about the impact Fiona has had on his life, such as his plans to get married in September and losing his power while still having to go to work every day. “That’s still no excuse,” he added.
fine, driving ban
MacDonald recommended a $500 fine and a three-month driving ban for evading a police traffic violation. Zelman also recommended a fine for drug possession, but left the amount up to the court. Chief Justice Jeff Lantz accepted both of the Crown’s recommendations and fined Bradley $500 for evading police, $700 for possession of methamphetamine, and victim surcharges for each offence. Bradley was also given a three-month driving ban. Bradley represented himself in court.
