Drug dealer warned, sent to prison

Drug suspect Tyler John Maki made a risky jump from one highrise balcony to another to avoid police who were banging at his door, court heard Tuesday.

And Maki was warned about staying in the drug lifestyle he’s embraced for the past two years before being sentenced to three years in a federal penitentiary.

Provincial court Judge Daniel Pahl accepted a joint Crown and defence submission for a four-year sentence, minus credit for pre-trial custody.

Maki pleaded guilty to nine charges, including two weapons offences and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, in connection with two separate incidents, including one Jan. 30, in which he dangled from a 19th floor balcony in a bid to escape police.

Pahl agreed with suggestions by Crown prosecutor Paul Bourassa that Maki’s involvement with drugs and weapons put him at risk.

“It’s a violent, violent world, and that’s indicative of the weapons found on Mr. Maki,” said Bourassa, of the rifle and hunting knife found in his possession during two separate arrests.

Pahl suggested if Maki continues down the same path, it could end in tragedy for him.

“It would be a shame if you don’t take the opportunity that’s presented to you now,” Pahl told Maki.

“It would be foolish, it seems to me, to simply say ‘I’m going to do my time and I’m going back out, because I know there’s a lot of money and this is what I like to do,’ ” the judge said.

“Because it’s a fool’s game at the end of it all,” Pahl said.