Man receives probation for cocaine-fuelled fight with cops

Anthony LeClair was so high on cocaine that it took five police officers to restrain him after he assaulted a constable during a family dispute call, a judge heard Thursday.

The cops were responding to a Dec. 9 complaint that he was out of control and damaging property at his sister's Glasgow Avenue home. 

He had smashed a window, was breaking dishes, and was high on something, after his wife had kicked him out for using cocaine, the Crown told Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn.

When officers arrived at the residence, there were broken items strewn on the driveway, assistant Crown attorney Adrianna Mucciarelli said.

He was inside the home, at the top of stairs, yelling and picked up a large object, and made a motion as if he was going to throw it at the officers.

LeClair, 44, pleaded guilty to mischief and assaulting a police officer in connection with the incident.

After he assaulted the constable, he had "such extreme strength that five officers were required to restrain and arrest him," Mucciarelli said.

The Crown and defence counsel Ken Walker jointly called for a conditional discharge for his client, who has no criminal record, with 12 months probation.

In the last four months, LeClair has been involved in three rehabilitation programs, he told Dunn.

LeClair said he deeply regrets that night and wants to resolve this matter to get on with his life.

When she imposed the sentence, the judge said she was taking into account that the accused is a 44-year-old offender, with no criminal record, who has undertaken rehabilitation.

During his probation, Leclair must take any recommended counselling.

Dunn also ordered him to pay $1,800 restitution to his sister and to provide a DNA sample for the national registry.

Dunn suggested writing a letter of apology to his sister, as well the officer he assaulted, adding "I'm sure he would appreciate it."