Hefty fine and driving prohibition for impaired, prohibited driver

PENTICTON – A Penticton man who admitted he “screwed up” received a hefty fine and a year’s driving license suspension in Penticton court.

Gary Jackson entered guilty pleas today, Feb. 10,  for impaired driving and driving while his license was suspended on two separate incidents last year.

Crown Prosecutor Kurt Froehlich told court Jackson was stopped by police after he passed a cruiser on Eckhardt Avenue on Feb. 26, 2016, driving faster than the legal limit.

Empty bud cans in the back of Jackson’s pickup and the odour of alcohol prompted an investigation for impaired driving. Jackson failed the breathalyzer and was later released on a summons to appear.

On April 1, 2016, Jackson passed through a roadside check before stopping for police. He was found to be a prohibited driver.

Froehlich, in a joint submission, asked Judge Gregory Koturbash to consider a mandatory minimum sentence on each count.

Defence lawyer Robert Maxwell said his 48-year-old client “took a chance” and screwed up,” driving home from a birthday party.

“It may not seem like it, but this is your lucky day, because you weren’t involved in an accident,” Judge Gregory Koturbash told Jackson.

He agreed to the joint submission, fining Jackson a total of $1,875. He also faces a one year driving prohibition.

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