Driving drunk over someone’s foot has led to a three-month jail sentence for a P.E.I. man. Photo by Terrence McEachern /The GuardianArticle contentDriving drunk over someone’s foot has led to a three-month jail sentence for a P.E.I. man.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 contentThe accused – Samuel Gavin Harding – was initially charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm. However, on July 14 in provincial court in Charlottetown, Harding, 21, pleaded guilty, with the consent of the Crown, to the lesser offence of impaired driving.Article contentArticle contentGuilty plea in placeArticle contentWith the guilty plea in place, Crown attorney John Diamond told the court that on May 21 at 9:36 p.m., the RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance in Scotchfort. Police also learned that there was an incident with a Hyundai driving over the foot of someone involved in the disturbance. Police were also told that the driver (Harding) was drunk, said Diamond.Article contentArticle contentWhen speaking to Harding, police noticed a strong odour of alcohol and signs of impairment, such as glossy eyes and being unsteady on his feet. Harding admitted that he was driving the vehicle.Article contentHarding was arrested and was apologetic for what happened. Harding told police that he and his friends were fleeing from Scotchfort because they thought they were going to get “beat up” by several people.Article contentIncidentArticle contentHarding said the person whose foot was driven over ran in front of his vehicle to try to stop them from leaving. In addition to driving over the person’s foot (who suffered a broken toe), Harding also collided with another vehicle as he tried to leave. Harding admitted to having nine shots of alcohol, said Diamond.Article contentHarding also provided police with two breathalyzer samples. The results were that Harding had 130 milligrams (mg) and 120 mg of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Readings of 80 mg and higher are a Criminal Code of Canada offence. As well, readings of 120 mg of alcohol are deemed to be an aggravating factor at sentencing.Article contentJoint recommendationArticle contentJudge Nancy Orr accepted a joint recommendation from Diamond and defence lawyer Brendan Hubley and sentenced Harding to three months in jail and a one-year driving ban plus the time in jail. Harding is employed full-time and was allowed to serve the sentence on weekends. The sentence also included a $100 victim surcharge. Harding will be on probation until the weekend sentence is completed.Article contentHarding did not have a prior criminal record.Article contentArticle contentTerrence McEachern is a justice reporter for The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at tmceachern@postmedia.com.Article content
P.E.I. man gets jail for driving drunk over person’s foot
