'A sad day': Man fined, stripped of licence for drunk driving crash

Tyler McCarthy faces fines that add up to big bucks for his decision to drink and drive.

The 29-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man pleaded guilty Wednesday to three offences stemming from his actions behind the wheel on Dec. 22 of last year.

He was convicted of over 80, operating a vehicle without proof of insurance, and driving while suspended.

McCarthy received a monetary penalty of $2,000 for driving with a blood-alcohol level exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

As well, he was prohibited from driving for 12 months.

Ontario Court Justice John Condon also imposed a $1,000 fine for driving while suspended, and $200 for having no proof of insurance.

These two offences also come with surcharges and court costs.

The court heard the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a collision involving a black Chevy Silverado on Highway 17 in Aweres Township north of the Sault.

It was 9:36 p.m., and officers, who were familiar with McCarthy, a suspended driver, found he was slurring his speech.

"As he was walking to the cruiser, he stumbled two times," assistant Crown attorney Karen Pritchard said.

The accused was arrested and provided two breath samples that each recorded readings of 200 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

McCarthy was behind the wheel on a snow-covered highway and the collision was the result, Pritchard said, calling his readings aggravating.

Defence lawyer Don Orazietti told the court his client has no prior record "and this is a sad day for him."

McCarthy "has issues with alcohol and finally hit a brick wall," and "needs to get some counselling," his lawyer said.

Orazietti described him as "a very hard worker" who puts in long shifts at a Wawa area mine.

"This man is at the crossroads," he said, and has a program in place to assist him.

"With good support he can be a contributing member of society."

His client has financial obligations involving family that require him to pay $1,500 per month, Orazietti said.

Condon decided to give the accused two years to pay all the financial penalties.

"One year would be very restrictive for you," he told McCarthy, adding others shouldn't be affected by his actions.

"Thank you, your honour, for your consideration," McCarthy responded.

The judge urged him not to get behind the wheel during his prohibition.

"There may be times when you are tempted to drive. Don't do it."