Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 15/02) - A Yellowknife man who ravaged through town causing mischief at public establishments and shouting obscenities at motorists last month will spend six months in jail.

Johnny Komangapik indicated to Judge Brian Bruser that he wanted to be imprisoned for six months after pleading guilty to two counts of causing a disturbance, two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking and one count of mischief.

"Oh dear, a lengthy record. I'm on the fifth page now," said Bruser as he browsed through the 58 prior convictions.

Komangapik's impetuous behaviour began at Subway on the afternoon of Oct. 17 when he entered the restaurant intoxicated and began yelling and swearing at employees and customers.

Then on Oct. 25 the accused, once again in a drunken state, caused a scene at the post office by blocking the mail boxes and refusing to leave.

Komangapik was arrested when he told a police officer he would not move.

On Oct. 27 and 28 he was again arrested after he began screaming, swearing and waving his hands around at Centre Square Mall and the Explorer Hotel.

Komangapik's mischievous behaviour ended Nov. 1 when police responded to Old Airport Road by Yellowknife Motors, where the accused was found drunk and screaming at motorists.

After asking police "what took them so long to get there," he was arrested and held in custody until his court appearance Nov. 12.

Upon viewing Komangapik's record, Judge Bruser noticed an apparent pattern - that he repeatedly received periods of imprisonment in the fall and winter months.

The accused then instructed his lawyer, Margot Engley, to tell Bruser that he wanted to go to jail for six months.

Bruser granted his wish.

"I think six months would be the best thing for him and for Yellowknife," said the judge.