Man who led police chase to preschool sentenced to 30 days

24-year-old pleaded guilty to break-in; told to focus on treating his addiction

A man who ran through a preschool in James Bay with a police officer in pursuit has received a 30-day jail sentence.

Garth Dimen, 24, pleaded guilty Wednesday to breaking into a locked storage area at the Coast Hotel, obstructing police, and possessing break-in instruments.

However, both Crown and defence told the court that Dimen was not armed with a knife during the June 1 incident, contrary to media reports.

A 21⁄2-hour chase began about 9 a.m. after staff at the hotel called police to report that Dimen and an unidentified woman had broken into the secure area.

The couple left before police arrived, but about 30 minutes later a police officer spotted them. Dimen fled and the officer started to run after him.

Dimen ran through MacDonald Park toward the James Bay Community Centre.

He ran straight through the preschool at the James Bay Community Centre, scaring the toddlers and staff, said Crown prosecutor Leslie Baskerville.

“People were screaming and pointing out the man to the officer,” she said.

Dimen left the building and ran into the parking lot on St. James Street.

He ditched a bag, later found to contain tools and drugs, and hopped a fence, breaking his heel in the process.

A number of police officers joined the search. Just after 10 a.m., another police officer spotted Dimen and gave chase.

About 11:30 a.m., police received a 911 call saying the suspect was hiding in a tree in the 300 block of St. James Street. Dimen was tackled and arrested.

Defence lawyer Chantelle Sutton said Dimen had been employed but became addicted to pain medication when he injured his neck and back in an accident on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

He has no criminal record and has never been to jail before, Sutton said.

Provincial court Judge Carmen Rogers gave Dimen credit of 30 days for the 20 days he spent in pre-trial custody.

During his probation, he is not allowed to go to the James Bay Community School. He must take assessment counselling and complete a residential treatment program as directed by his probation officer.

Rogers declined to give Dimen community work service, saying it was more important for him to work on his addiction issues.