Jesse Lewis of Avondale, once expected to enter guilty pleas in connection to a daring daytime high speed chase and carjacking, has changed his mind—he now wants to go to trial.
Lewis, 22, was on the docket today for sentencing in connection with the incident that happened October 17, 2018. However, when Lewis arrived in court his lawyer, Mark Gruchy, told the judge his client now wanted to go to trial.
Jesse Lewis of Avondale, once expected to enter guilty pleas in connection to a daring daytime high speed chase and carjacking, has changed his mind – he now wants to go to trial. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/VrhIjEJntD
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 24, 2019
Lewis was arrested in Colliers after a wild crime spree that spanned from Conception Bay Center, to the capital city, and back again. He faces 28 charges in total, including two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon—in this case a screwdriver, threatening and assaulting police officers, multiple counts of theft under $5,000, and seven counts of failing to stop for police.
He’s also facing charges of uttering threats and a breach from the day before, and is accused of assaulting three correctional officers since being in custody.
Lawyer Mark Gruchy indicated work was underway on an agreed statement of facts in the case, but they hit a roadblock. Gruchy told the judge that his client had “serious issues with comprehension.”
Judge Jim Walsh wasn’t happy with the development. He questioned why the matter was set for facts and sentencing if no pleas had been entered and the matter was not ready to proceed.
The Crown agreed it is Lewis’ right to a fair trial. The judge set a date for August 14 for the matter to be called for a status update. It’s expected a trial date will be set at that time.
Lewis was arrested and charged in the matter while awaiting sentencing in Supreme Court in connection to a 2017 shooting in Avondale. In that case he was found not guilty of aggravated assault, but guilty of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, and five breaches.
Lewis received six months jail time for the crimes, and 18 months probation.
