A man who "isn't a stranger to the courts" was sentenced to 120 days in custody for failing to comply by the conditions of his probation and driving on more than one occasion while disqualified.
James George Wilgus will be spending the next 61 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to not complying with the conditions of his probation, two counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, operating a motor vehicle while disqualified, and failing to comply with an undertaking.
He was also sentenced to a three-year driving prohibition.
On Aug. 3, 2018, RCMP conducted a search warrant at Wilgus' Kehewin residence. He wasn't home at the time and when officers arrived later that day, past his curfew, he hadn't returned.
A few months later, on Nov. 7, 2018, Wilgus was seen driving on 44 St. in town. At the time, he was disqualified.
A similar incident took place on March 14, 2019, when an off-duty officer spotted Wilgus behind the wheel on Hwy. 28.
On June 19, 2019, an officer was conducting patrols in Glendon when they observed an SUV headed south on 50 St.
RCMP ran the plate and followed the vehicle, noting Wilgus was driving, contrary to conditions prohibiting him from operating a motor vehicle.
Acting duty counsel, Hart Spencer, said Wilgus admits he has a track record of failing to follow court orders, however, these incidences didn't turn into "high speed chases."
"Yes, it's a blatant disregard for his driving prohibition," Spencer noted.
Wilgus intends to move to Calgary once he is released from custody. He explained to Honourable Judge Robert Shaigec that he had been driving regardless of his conditions because he felt guilty asking friends and family to give him a ride so often.
He noted, he often had probation, appointments, and errands that required him to turn to others for a ride.
"It's time for me to focus on my family and for me to stop being an idiot," Wilgus told the court.
Wilgus had been in custody for 59 enhanced days, with 61 left to serve.
