An impaired driver who led local police on a chase is now behind bars.
Appearing recently in a Bracebridge courtroom, Jeff Sallows, 62, pled guilty to impaired driving and driving without insurance.
Court heard that on Dec. 29, 2023, at 7:14 pm the Bracebridge OPP received multiple calls regarding a possible impaired driver on Highway 11 northbound in Gravenhurst. Callers reported the driver was all over the road, tailgating others and driving onto the shoulder.
Police caught up with the driver, later identified as Sallows, before he nearly went into the ditch while exiting at Hwy 118. He then accelerated to 110 km in a 60 km zone. With police in pursuit, he turned onto a dead-end road before stopping in a parking lot. Upon exiting the car, Sallows was unsteady on his feet and hurled derogatory comments at the arresting officers.
Sallows blew readings of 220 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, more than double the legal limit, and it was determined he had no insurance.
Court heard Sallows has a criminal record and he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, one year of probation and a two-year driving ban.
Court heard the minimum fine for driving without insurance is $5,000 but the defense said Sallows doesn’t have the means to pay that much.
Crown Lyndsey Jeanes said that a of $500 fine would be too low and pointed out that Sallows can afford a car, gas and alcohol.
Justice Edward Carlton ultimately fined Sallows $2,500.
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