A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to a year in jail for assaulting a driver and stealing their car.
Christopher Henry Horkey pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000 and for assault. He also pleaded guilty to impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
Crown prosecutor Louise Gauld told Vancouver provincial court Judge John Milne the counts related to March 18, 2021 offences.
Gauld said Horkey had been asked to leave some friends’ East Vancouver house after he had become intoxicated and loud.
Outside, Gauld said, Horkey climbed on the hood of the complainant’s Honda and smashed a mirror.
“He punched the complainant several times before dragging him out of the car,” Gauld said. Then, he drove off.
Police arrived to find the victim with numerous bystanders helping him. He suffered a concussion.
Soon, police dispatchers reported a crashed and unoccupied vehicle in Burnaby. Witnesses said they’d seen a man running from the scene.
Police soon reported seeing a half-naked man.
Gauld said Horkey was apprehended and a breath sample was taken. He was taken to Burnaby General Hospital and treated for head contusions.
“It doesn’t seem to have been motive-driven,” defence lawyer Zack Myers told Milne. “It was quite irrational.”
Gauld and Myers made a joint submission to Milne, a submission the judge accepted.
After credit for time in custody, Horkey has 156 days left to serve in jail. He must also serve a year’s probation.
