A 31‑year‑old man who led police on a dramatic, drug‑fuelled chase that ran through Woodstock has been sentenced to 24 months in jail by Woodstock Provincial Court.
Sentence and conditions
Judge Rose Campbell imposed a 24‑month custodial sentence on Edward Hayes Jr. on July 17, minus time already spent in custody. Court records show Hayes has served 506 days in remand; after that credit is applied he will have 225 days remaining to serve. The judge also ordered 24 months of probation on release and a three‑year driving prohibition.
"He must finish his sentence behind bars before heading to rehab,"
Crown prosecutor Sean Corscadden had recommended a federal sentence of 54 months minus time served, arguing Hayes’s actions consumed substantial police resources and posed public danger. Defence counsel Tim Murphy asked for a sentence of 23 months, minus time served, and sought permission for Hayes to enter a Moncton rehabilitation facility to address drug addiction. Judge Campbell declined to allow immediate transfer, saying Hayes must complete his custodial term first.
Charges and incident details
Hayes pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from incidents on July 25, 2025, across Benton, Teeds Mill and Woodstock. The charges include:
- breach of house arrest;
- dangerous driving and flight from police;
- driving while prohibited;
- possession of a stolen ATV;
- two counts of assaulting police;
- mischief causing damage to a police vehicle;
- uttering threats.
Court testimony described Hayes fleeing Benton on a stolen ATV, leading police through Woodstock, driving over the lawn at the Woodstock courthouse and then into the parking lot at the RCMP detachment on Connell Street, where he allegedly rammed a police vehicle and spun the ATV. The record also notes he later jumped into the Eel River. Despite the dangerous behaviour, the Crown said no one was physically injured.
Custody, prior record and next steps
Hayes was denied bail on Nov. 6, 2025, and has remained in custody since his arrest in August 2025. Court documents note a lengthy prior criminal record. Judge Campbell suspended a separate breach charge earlier in proceedings at the Crown’s request.
| Item | Duration / Detail |
|---|---|
| Sentence imposed | 24 months custody |
| Remand credit | 506 days already served |
| Remaining custody | 225 days |
| Probation | 24 months |
| Driving prohibition | 3 years |
Prosecutors emphasised the strain the incidents placed on emergency services. Defence counsel highlighted Hayes’s intention to enter addiction treatment; the court was told he planned to go to a rehabilitation facility in Moncton once eligible. The judge ordered that any treatment follow completion of the custodial term.
The sentence closes a case that drew attention in Woodstock for its risks to public safety and the involvement of multiple police services. Local residents seeking information on the incident or its aftermath can refer to Woodstock Police and the RCMP for official statements and public‑safety advisories.
