Calgary woman sentenced to just over two years for hit and run spree

A Calgary woman is going to jail for a dangerous hit and run spree last summer.

Louise Lorretta Chamakese took a stolen vehicle on a destructive tear through the city, on August 7th, 2011.

Chamakese was eventually taken into custody by police, but not before she hit several cars along her path of destruction, and nearly ran over several officers.

She’s admitted to a long string of charges, including stealing a vehicle, impaired driving and driving while disqualified.

A judge has given her a federal jail sentence of just over two years, including credit for pre-trial custody.

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“It was a really serious driving pattern where many vehicles were hit by the defendant. Thankfully, there were no injuries or deaths, but the potential for injuries or death was very very high… which was why a high sentence was sought in this case,” says Crown Prosecutor Jonathan Hak.

However, the court was also sympathetic to Charmakese, who has had a rough life. Her mother committed suicide when she was just two-years- old and her father was murdered soon after.

Court heard Chamakese was repeatedly sexually assaulted, including a gang rape before she was even seven-years-old. In addition, she has been a prostitute and has had serious addiction issues.

The judge noted she was clean and sober for more than a year when the incident happened

“It’s very common to take a look at the history of the defendant to see what their background is and factor that into a sentence. Though there comes a point where the conduct is so serious that it overshadows the background of the defendant,” says Hak.

In an emotional moment in court, Chamakese’s oldest son approached the judge asking to give his mother a hug before she was taken away to jail.

The court granted that request.