Cornwall man gets jail time for assault with aerosol spray

A 23-year-old Cornwall man has been sentenced to five months in jail for assaulting two people by spraying them with an aerosol irritant.

Blake Miles Purseyappeared inprovincial court Tuesday, facing two charges of assault with a weapon and two charges of administering a noxious substance.

The court heard the incident happenedon April 24, after an argument broke out between Purseyand a woman. The two hadbeen given a ride and dropped off near a gas station in Cornwall bythe woman's ex-boyfriend. When the argument started the woman got back into the car, at which point Purseysprayed her in the face with an aerosol spray.

The court heard that both victims reported a strong burning sensationon their faces and in their eyes after being sprayed.

You might want to use some of that time to decidewhere you want to go when you get out, sir.- Judge Nancy Orr

The Crown attorney told the court Purseywas later arrestedat a friend's home where police reported he appeared to be under the influence of some kind of substance. The Crown said while in custody, police discovered Pursey was in possession of a hydromorphone pill. Hehas been in police custody since his arrest.

Purseyoriginally pleaded not guilty but in court Tuesday changed his plea to guilty.The court heard Purseyhas a criminal record, including convictions for assault with a weapon.

Judge Nancy Orr sentenced Pursey to five months in jail for the assault charges, as well as for possession of hydromorphone and breach of probation.

Purseywill be credited for the time he's already spent in custody since his arrest.

The court heardPursey has been dealingwith addictions issues, andOrrurged him to seekhelp for that.

"You might want to use some of that time to decidewhere you want to go when you get out, sir," Orr said.

Purseyhas been ordered to pay a total of $600 in fines and will serve two years of probation. He has also received a life-time weapons prohibition order.

More P.E.I. news