Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 10/05) - A crack-addled prisoner who escaped from police and led them on a foot chase through downtown Yellowknife was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail.

A handcuffed Jomie Mike slipped away from his police escort outside of the Yellowknife courthouse May 24. He bolted through several backyards and back alleys before finally being tackled into a fence behind a home on 45th Street.

Mike, 24, pleaded guilty to five charges last week in territorial court: escape of lawful custody, three counts of theft, breach of probation and failure to appear in court.

Mike was in police custody the afternoon of the chase following an arrest for shoplifting.

Tuesday, Mike admitted to stealing a fog lamp from Canadian Tire and nearly $3,000 in electronics from a pair of downtown retailers less than a week earlier. Schmaltz ordered Mike to repay the stores once he completes his jail term.

Mike suffered from a severe addiction to crack-cocaine, which he admitted to smoking every 20-30 minutes.

Judge Bernadette Schmaltz said that probably played a role in his decision to flee from police. Mike had gone nearly nine hours without a hit.

His lawyer, James Brydon, described his problems as a "descent into drug addiction."

During the sentencing hearing Tuesday, Schmaltz dismissed allegations from Mike that he was assaulted at the end of the chase through downtown Yellowknife.

Mike claimed an officer punched him in the face after he stopped running and surrendered, something Schmaltz called "unbelievable."

"I do not believe the events transpired the way the accused (described)," Schmaltz said.

Schmaltz said Mike was likely tackled into the fence, which opened up a gash along his forehead that took more than 20 stitches to close.

The officer who subdued Mike injured his knee during the struggle.