Lauren McKeon
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 01, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A man who escaped from custody while awaiting trial on July 8 admitted to court Tuesday that it was time to act his age.

Benjamin Manuel, 33, ran away from the courthouse and into the alley near Extra Foods, where he was found by police. An RCMP officer drew a canister of pepper spray - which was not used - and Manuel returned peacefully into custody.

Manuel began his short-lived escape with another man, but the two were separated and did not return together. The other man was also captured. He's scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 12.

"It's time I act like a 30-year-old and not a 20-year-old," Manuel said.

Originally from Fort Good Hope, he added that he was sorry for his behaviour and planned to apologize to his community at home.

He pleaded guilty to that charge and two others, related to breaking curfew as a condition of his probation. The latter charges were those he was facing when he bolted from the courthouse on July 8.

Judge Brian Bruser sentenced him to a total of 120 days - less 80 days for time already served.

"You can escape the courthouse," said Bruser, "But you can never escape justice."

It's obvious the escape was spontaneous added Bruser. After all, "If it was planned (he) would have done a better job."

Manuel said he plans to take welding courses this fall at Aurora College and has a full-time job lined up after his release, which will give him about 60 hours of work per week.