Barber then outlined a crime spree Terepocki undertook in Nanaimo where he stole a bait car on Sept. 5, 2018.

However, due to a malfunction with the car, police weren’t able to disable the vehicle, allowing Terepocki to steal $3,000 worth of tools from Harmac Pacific several hours later, court was told.

Terepocki was surrounded by several RCMP cruisers on the top level parkade at Port Place Shopping Centre that same day and was arrested after driving into a wall.

Numerous suspected stolen items, including keys to other vehicles, drugs and cash were found in the car.

In handing down his decision, Judge Brian Harvie scolded Terepocki, telling him driving is a privilege and not a right.

“Those people who choose to drive dangerously and come before the court with a related record, while on probation, while on a driving prohibition should expect the court do deal with that person severely,” Judge Harvey said, describing Terepocki’s dactions as extremely dangerous.

Terepocki sat silently in a prison-issued jumpsuit and did not speak during his sentencing.

He has a lengthy record peppered with driving offences, fleeing police, assaults, property crimes and probation breaches.

He was given a two-year driving ban, and Barber indicated Terepocki could be outlawed from driving for an indefinite period.

Cheyne Hodson, Terepocki’s lawyer, said his client’s behaviour was fueled by an addiction to hard drugs, a problem he wants to address. Terepocki was born and raised in Chilliwack and had a good middle-class upbringing, but hung out with the wrong crowd in high school and dropped out in grade 10.

Hodson said Terepocki made strides while in jail, including completing high school.

Hodson said arrangements have been made for Terepocki’s brother to help him start an auto detailing business upon his release.

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