Man convicted of drunk driving causing death arrested near Halifax liquor store

HALIFAX – Halifax police have arrested a man previously convicted of impaired driving causing death after he allegedly violated his court-ordered conditions by entering a liquor store.

Police arrested Michael Gerard Cooper, who was released from prison last week on conditions including a two-year order to abstain from buying, possessing or drinking alcohol.

Officers allege the 55-year-old man entered a liquor store in Halifax today, contrary to his court-imposed conditions.

Mike Maloney, a spokesman for Nova Scotia Liquor Corp., says an employee at the liquor store phoned police who later arrested the accused.

Cooper faces two charges of breaching his recognizance.

After Cooper’s conviction in 2007, the Parole Board of Canada said he told them he would likely continue drinking and driving, which prompted the board to deny him an early release.

His case attracted attention after the parents of a teenager killed in a collision with Cooper’s vehicle asked Nova Scotia authorities to provide Cooper’s name and photo to liquor stores, bars and other licensed establishments.