Iqaluit (Apr 28/03) - Jerry Papatsie's lawyer told the court that his client panicked when he escaped police custody on March 17.

The 32-year-old man was permitted to go outside of the Iqaluit Courthouse on that day and visit with family.

He had just been ordered back into custody by the justice of the peace.

Papatsie is facing a charge of sexual assault and said he just wasn't thinking when he fled the courthouse by foot and jumped on a snowmobile parked nearby.

"He just panicked. It was just a matter of him going out and acting without thinking," said Papatsie's lawyer, Brad MacIsaac.

It took police until April 1 to find Papatsie who was hiding in an Iqaluit building.

The escape raised concerns that the privileges enjoyed by people making appearances at the Iqaluit Courthouse might have to be taken away if they continued to be taken advantage of.

After stating that security is very "lax" at the Iqaluit Courthouse and that this is a privilege, Justice Earl Johnson said the privilege of being able to smoke a cigarette or talk with family could be taken away.

"By doing this, you jeopardize some of the conveniences the other people exercise.

"When you take advantage of the situation, it causes problems for others," said Johnson.

Papatsie was sentenced to time served. He was in custody since being found by police on April 1, but has since been conditionally released.

One of several conditions is he must report to the RCMP detachment twice a week.

Papatsie still faces a charge of sexual assault and is scheduled to appear in court June 2.