Kitchener man who drove drunk twice in three months avoids jail

KITCHENER — A Kitchener man caught driving drunk twice in three months prevented jail Wednesday, partly as a result of he financially helps his mom and youthful siblings.

“It’s considerably uncommon with two issues so shut collectively that the Crown wouldn’t have been in search of custody ...” Justice Melanie Sopinka mentioned.

Crown prosecutor Alayna Dueck mentioned the person, 24, lives along with his mom and 6 youthful siblings, “so cash is tight and his household does depend upon him.” She agreed to a fantastic and a driving ban.

On the night time of March 18, 2020, a motorist referred to as police after seeing the person driving erratically within the space of Ottawa Avenue South and Courtland Avenue East in Kitchener, courtroom was advised.

The automotive, with its headlights off, swerved into oncoming site visitors and drove the incorrect approach on a one-way road, bouncing off curbs. When police pulled over the motive force on Thaler Avenue, the person reeked of alcohol. Within the automotive was an almost-empty bottle of Crown Royal whisky.

Checks revealed he had greater than twice the authorized quantity of alcohol in his blood. He was charged and launched.

Three months later, on the night time of June 19, police noticed the automotive driving on King Avenue North in Waterloo. The rear windshield wiper was on however it wasn’t raining. A test of the licence plate revealed the person’s excellent cost.

When he exited the automotive, the person was unsteady on his toes. Police discovered empty wine bottles within the automotive.

“Yeah, I’m sh-faced,” the person advised an officer.

He vomited earlier than assessments revealed he was simply over the authorized restrict.

The person, self-represented in courtroom, advised the choose he has been attending Alcoholics Nameless conferences and has been sober for one month. He mentioned he begins a brand new job this week. He has no prior report.

Sopinka gave him credit score for pleading responsible and took into consideration the very fact he helps his mom and siblings.

She fined him $3,500 and handed him an 18-month driving ban. He has a yr to pay the fantastic.