Sentencing for a 30-year-old Benton man who led officers on a dangerous ATV chase through Woodstock and later entered the Eel River was adjourned in Woodstock Provincial Court after a judge said there was late Crown disclosure.
The accused, Edward Hayes Jr., appeared by video in custody on July 14 after changing his plea to guilty on multiple charges laid by Woodstock Police Service and the RCMP. Provincial Court Judge Rose Campbell told the court she was prepared to impose sentence but reserved decision until 1:30 p.m. on July 17 following the disclosure.
Proposed sentences and positions
The Crown prosecutor, Sean Corscadden, asked the judge to impose a federal sentence of 54 months, minus time already served. The Crown calculated that applying Hayes’s 417 days in pre‑trial custody would leave approximately 40 months to serve in custody, and sought a five‑year driving prohibition.
"Hayes’ drug‑fuelled crime spree involved several incidents and used up a lot of police resources,"
By contrast, defence counsel Tim Murphy asked the court for a shorter custodial term — 23 months, minus time served — and urged that any remaining sentence be served in a Moncton rehabilitation facility. If the judge accepts that proposal, defence calculations put the rehabilitation portion at about 14 months after credit for remand.
Charges, incidents and local impact
Hayes has been detained since his arrest in August 2025; bail had been denied on Nov. 6, 2025. Court records show a lengthy prior criminal history. The charges to which he pleaded guilty relate to events on July 25, 2025, in Benton, Teeds Mill and Woodstock.
- Breaching house arrest (one count; a related breach charge was later withdrawn)
- Dangerous driving (multiple counts)
- Flight from police (multiple counts)
- Driving while prohibited
- Possession of a stolen ATV
- Two counts of assaulting police
- Mischief causing damage to a police vehicle by ramming it
- Uttering threats (in Woodstock)
Court heard Hayes fled Benton on a stolen ATV, led police through Woodstock, drove over the lawn outside the Woodstock Courthouse, then proceeded to the RCMP detachment on Connell Street where he again drove across the lawn and spun the ATV in the parking area before fleeing. Days after those incidents he reportedly entered the Eel River.
What this means for Woodstock
Prosecutors emphasised the strain the incidents placed on local policing resources and the risk posed to the public despite no reported injuries. The reserved decision on July 17 will determine whether the Crown’s longer federal sentence is imposed, whether a provincial custody plus rehabilitation arrangement is accepted, and whether a multi‑year driving prohibition is ordered.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Edward Hayes Jr., 30 (Benton) |
| Next court date | July 17, 1:30 p.m. (sentencing reserved) |
| Time in custody | 417 days (credit applied by Crown) |
| Crown recommendation | 54 months (federal), 5-year driving ban |
| Defence request | 23 months, remainder in Moncton rehab |
The court file reflects that, while substantial property damage and threats occurred, there were no injuries reported to officers or members of the public. Woodstock residents seeking updates can watch for the sentencing decision following the July 17 hearing.
