Suroît resident Frédéric Gagnon pleaded guilty this Tuesday, October 15, before Judge Bertrand St-Arnaud at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse, to a charge of impaired driving. 

In light of this guilty plea to count 2, the Crown withdrew the third count against the accused. A conditional discharge was also issued on count one. 

The facts of the case date back to March 23, when Mr. Gagnon showed a blood alcohol level above the legal limit less than two hours after driving a vehicle. 

“On that date, police were called to the scene of a collision. At the scene, the police intercepted the accused, who admitted to having consumed alcohol. The officers subjected him to the Approved Screening Device (ASD) after noting the presence of symptoms in Mr. Gagnon,” summarized the lawyer defending the accused before the Tribunal, Me Alexandre Dubé. 

Dubé also submitted his client's criminal record. These date back to 2013 and concern similar facts. 

In this case, the prosecutors agreed on a common sentencing suggestion: a $2,500 fine and an 18-month driving prohibition. 

“My client's blood alcohol level was very close to the limit, and he has stopped all consumption since the events. He has been diagnosed as a chronic alcoholic, but this problem is controlled with medication,” explained Me Dubé to the judge. 

Magistrate Bertrand St-Arnaud, for his part, reminded the accused that if he were charged again for the same offence, he would face a prison sentence. “In Canada, the Criminal Code provides for a four-month prison sentence for a third impaired driving offence. I urge you to exercise caution in this regard,” he concluded, before authorizing Mr. Gagnon to pay his $2,500 fine within 12 months.