James Bennett Andrew, 74, enters a courtroom in P.E.I. Supreme Court on Dec. 9, 2025. Andrew pleaded guilty at that court appearance to having a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit causing death. Sentencing was adjourned. Photo by Terrence McEachern /The GuardianArticle contentA retired RCMP officer who drove drunk and killed a female passenger in a single-vehicle crash on New Year’s Day has pleaded guilty in P.E.I. Supreme Court.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentJames Bennett Andrew, 74, of Stanley Bridge, appeared before Justice Gregory Cann on Dec. 9 and pleaded guilty to having a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit causing death. The female victim was Andrew’s common-law partner Mary Shawna Carmody.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWith the guilty plea in place, Crown attorney John Diamond read in court an agreed statement of facts. He said that on Jan. 1 at 4:35 p.m., the East Prince RCMP responded to a 911 call of a single motor vehicle crash on Route 6 in Clinton. The initial reports were that the driver and female passenger were conscious and air bags had been deployed.Article contentWhen police arrived, they saw the New London Fire Department working on getting Andrew and Carmody out of the red Kia SUV that had driven into a ditch and hit a culvert. There was damage to the front of the vehicle.Article contentAndrew was extracted from the vehicle. Police observed that he could not keep his eyes open and there was a smell of alcohol coming from him. Andrew was placed in the back seat of the police vehicle. When asked by an officer if he could hear, he said, “No, I’m drunk.”Article contentAs a result, at 5:01 p.m., Andrew was arrested for impaired driving. Police read Andrew his rights and initially he indicated that he did not understand. So, an officer went in the back of the police vehicle and read Andrew his rights again. When asked what he did not understand, Andrew replied, “I’m drunk, relax.” At this point, he declined to speak to a lawyer but understood the police caution and breath demand.Article contentArticle contentAt 5:15 p.m., police were advised that Carmody had died. Andrew was re-arrested for impaired driving causing death. He was read his rights again, this time with respect to the new charge. When asked if he understood his rights, he said, “I don’t understand one thing. I was in the back seat, so why are you doing this.” He was re-read his rights and this time said he understood and that he wanted to speak to a lawyer.Article contentArticle contentAndrew was taken to the East Prince RCMP detachment. At 6:15 p.m., he provided a breathalyzer sample of 130 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Readings of 80 mg and above are a Criminal Code of Canada offence. At 6:37 p.m., Andrew provided a second breathalyzer sample of 120 mg.Article contentAndrew was assessed by emergency medical services and taken to the Prince County Hospital for a broken wrist, broken heel and possible spleen injury. On Jan. 6, 2025, police obtained a warrant for Andrew’s medical records and blood samples from the Prince County Hospital. The blood samples were sent to a lab for analysis. On Feb. 27, the results showed that Andrew’s blood contained 145 milligrams of ethyl alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
P.E.I. man pleads guilty to drunk driving causing death
