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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A Yellowknife man found guilty on Aug. 15 of sexually assaulting an RCMP officer while being arrested was sentenced Aug. 25 to 23 months in jail for that offence and 10 others.

Dayl Hein, 41, was credited eight months for the four months he spent in jail awaiting trial. The 23-month sentence includes time received for 10 other charges, three of which relate to a high-speed police chase on April 29 involving Hein.

Judge Brian Bruser told the court he took Hein's prompt guilty plea to all charges into account when determining Hein's sentence, except in the case of the sexual assault, in which he fondled a female police officer's crotch.

"I do not intend to send the message to the public or to the offender that one receives less time for more crime," Bruser said. "There are no bulk deals in this shop."

Bruser also said Hein - who attributed his bad behaviour in part to the end of a long-term relationship - had a high chance of reoffending.

"What will the next trigger be?" asked Bruser. "We all have problems in life."

To his credit, though, said Bruser, Hein has been actively involved in counselling and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings since being put in custody.

When asked if he had anything to say to the court, Hein responded, "I apologize again to the officer in question. I regret the things I done."

During his trial, Hein claimed there was no inappropriate touching on his part. He did admit to being intoxicated, however.

RCMP arrested Hein after responding to a call at the Sandstone Apartments in March. A window had been broken and a trail of blood led the officers to an apartment unit where Hein was found with a bleeding hand.

The sexual assault took place outside the apartment building when the female officer was attempting to put Hein into the police vehicle. His hands were handcuffed behind his back when, according to the officer during the trial, he placed his hands on her belt and then dropped them down onto her crotch to "massage, fondle."

Other charges included two counts of failure to appear in court on March 26 and April 29, driving without a licence and operating a vehicle without insurance after being ticketed on April 11.

Hein also entered a guilty plea for breach of undertaking for driving while intoxicated and under a condition not to consume alcohol.

Hein, who was convicted of sexual interference in 2006, will also be required to put his name in the sex offender registry.

He is also to report to a probation officer within three days of his release to serve two years probation, the conditions of which are primarily to keep the peace and maintain good behaviour.