An Utterson man who drove straight through a RIDE program without stopping was held to account in court recently.
Appearing in a Bracebridge courtroom last month. John Ballantine, 41, pled guilty to driving with over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Court heard that on Dec. 12, 2022, Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting a Festive RIDE program on Manitoba Street near High Falls Rd in the Town of Bracebridge. At 11:52 p.m. a concerned member of the public called to report that an intoxicated male was driving on Manitoba Street directly towards High Falls Road.
Police saw the driver approaching and observed him to be swerving and changing speeds. They realized he was not slowing down as he approached and he proceeded to drive straight through the stop. The police gave chase and the driver continued for some time before eventually pulling over.
The driver, Ballantine, was found to have open alcohol in the vehicle and ultimately blew readings of 230 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, more than double the limit.
Court heard Ballantine had no criminal record and he was sentenced to a $3,000 fine and a 12-month driving ban.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: