Sentencing decision reserved for woman with history of fleeing from police

The pair tried to flee, and at one point crashed into the side of a business along Sixth Ave. E. After a switch in drivers, the vehicle then sped off westbound, but not before hitting a police vehicle that had pulled into the alley to block them.

Crown prosecutor Kristen Hubbard explained a westbound pursuit then took place and Elderkin, who was behind the wheel, stayed within the speed limit, but ignored a number of traffic signs and lights.

The pursuit came to an end at Sixth Ave. W. and 28th Street. Elderkin then attempted to flee on foot but was arrested soon after.

Fortunately no injuries resulted from the chase.

Prior history

The incident happened almost 13 months after Elderkin received an eight-month sentence for a separate driving related matter, which worked out at the time to time served.

Following a drive-by shooting in Prince Albert’s West Flat, a Ford Focus driven by Elderkin, was pursued by police through the city and then onto Highway 11 towards Saskatoon.

Engaging speeds of around 180 to 200 km/hr, Elderkin at one point drove southbound in the northbound lane of traffic.

With the use of speed sticks, police were able to bring the vehicle to a stop near Duck Lake. Because there was knowledge of possible weapons inside the vehicle, a canine officer was released and helped assist with the arrest of Elderkin, biting her once. The other two passengers were also arrested and there were no guns found.

As part of Monday’s sentencing hearing, Elderkin’s lawyer Ian Goldberg explained the reason Elderkin fled from police in March 2022, was because she was still traumatized by her last encounter with police and to this day still has a scar on her shoulder.

Also included with Elderkin’s record are some gun related charges, having to do with a traffic stop in Saskatoon on July 17, 2020, while she was out on a release order.

Police conducted a traffic stop and found a sawed off rifle inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee that had earlier been reported stolen out of Prince Albert.

At the time of her sentencing last March, Judge Felicia Daunt told Elderkin she hoped it was a wake up call for her.

And now with respect to her most recent matters, the Crown is seeking a jail sentence of 18 months and a two-year driving prohibition. Defence meanwhile is seeking 10 months jail and nine months probation.

Elderkin received 243 days credit for time spent in remand.

Part of the probation includes Elferkin receive counselling and that she lives with family at Southend. Judge Thomas Healey noted this was the same address where she’s had two prior breaches.

“So you mean you’re telling me she’s going back,” he asked with concern.

Healey also raised a number of points from Elderkin’s pre-sentence report in which the author writes Elderkin has low motivation to change, struggles with unresolved grief and is considered a high risk to re-offend. Healy also noted the previous timeline in Elderkin’s criminal record.

“She didn’t get the message the first time,” he said.

Goldberg argued this was not true and cited examples of programming Elderkin has completed while in custody, and also explained she is focused on disassociating herself from her former pro-crime friends, as well as finishing her education degree.

“She wants to make change,” he said.

Goldberg also explained at the time of the incidents, Elderkin struggled with grief and turned to drugs and alcohol.

When provided the opportunity in court to speak, Elderkin briefly apologized for her actions.

A number of her family members were also present in court Monday to show their support.

Healey is expected to issue his sentencing decision on March 1.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Sentencing decision reserved for woman with history of fleeing from police

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