Prince Albert Provincial Court. (file photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Shoeless suspect receives 18-month jail sentence

Jan 10, 2024 | 1:31 PM

A man who fled from police, while only wearing one shoe, was informed by a judge it’s time to grow up and realize the road travelled thus far, has serious consequences.

Appearing Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court, 28-year old Kalup Pocha received an 18-month jail sentence, however with credit for time spent in remand custody, he will be out in two months.

In relation to the offence that occurred in February 2022, guilty pleas were entered to a number of offences including assaulting a peace officer, obstruction, possession of a weapon, and breach of a probation order.

Following a traffic stop in Prince Albert’s east flat area, Pocha, who had a warrant out for his arrest, fled from the vehicle and while being chased, discharged bear spray in the direction of the police officer. None of the spray actually came in contact with the officer’s face.

With assistance from a K-9 officer, and after locating several footprints in the snow, police located Pocha hiding in the shed of a local resident’s backyard.

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Soon after demanding officers call off the dog and making a second attempt to run, Pocha was arrested.

On the trail where he fled, police located Pocha’s birth certificate and one of his shoes he lost during the chase. A small bag of meth was also seized as well as a bag that Pocha had in the vehicle. Within the bag was a firearm but it was later determined not to be working and Crown prosecutor Kristen Clark, explained because of that, the weapon was not considered prohibited.

Defence lawyer Nicole Bree explained Pocha’s struggles with addiction roughly started 17 years ago after the death of his grandfather, who acted as Pocha’s sole father figure.

Pocha’s parents both had serious issues with addiction. Bree explained Pocha, who has been sober since the offence, is determined to finish school and be a positive role model for his two young daughters.

“He knows what it felt like growing up without a dad [and] doesn’t want his kids going through that,” she explained.

Noting the negative influences that have played a role in Pocha’s past, and his lengthy history of disobeying court related orders, Judge Healey asked Bree why her client chooses to stay in Prince Albert and not move closer to his children. Bree responded by stating Pocha has a positive support person in the city.

“At the end of the day, it’s him that has to put in the hard work,” she said.

When give the opportunity to speak, Pocha apologized to the officer involved and said he understood the judge’s concerns with respect to going back to his old ways.

“I understand where you’re coming from; talk is cheap,” he said.

Pocha then went on to explain he was determined to stay sober, complete his Grade 12 and eventually get a job as a welder.

“I take full responsibility for being here,” he said.

Noting Pocha’s 28-page criminal record that includes 20 breaches of recognizance, as well as multiple convictions for resisting arrest and assaults, Healey said he would like to be optimistic Pocha can change.

“It’s time for him realize the road he’s walked on has serious consequences,” he said.

Healey then proceeded to remind Pocha he was still young and has his whole life in front of him.

“All you can change is the future,” he said.

Following his release from custody, Pocha will be prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms, ammunition or explosives for life.

When asked by the judge if he would like to be placed on a 12-month probation order which would include a condition to attend addictions counselling, Pocha declined, noting he did not have a good record when it came to such orders.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell