At the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge recently, assistant Crown attorney Chris Ponesse told the court that 37-year-old John Draper was stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police on Merkley Road in Gravenhurst on Jan. 4, when they noticed he was driving an off-road vehicle with no helmet. He also had an open case of Budweiser beer strapped to the vehicle and smelled strongly of alcohol. When asked when he last had a drink or a smoke, Draper refused to tell, court heard. The accused was taken to the Bracebridge detachment for breathalyser tests.

“He ignored instructions and gave invalid readings over six subsequent tests,” said Ponesse. A records check revealed Draper was prohibited from driving because he failed to comply with remedial requirements.

“People have to know that if they’re going to drive they have to comply with the requirements of the remedial program,” said Ponesse.

The accused apologized and asked the court for leniency.

“Your record suggests you have problems with alcohol,” said Justice John Evans. “Have you taken any steps to deal with this?”

Draper said he had spoken to his priest on a one-to-one basis.

The judge sentenced him to 90 days in custody, to be served intermittently on weekends, and a $260 fine. He is prohibited from driving for 10 years.