During an emotional proceeding, a Bracebridge court heard how a head-on collision led to a driver’s fourth conviction for impaired driving and dramatically changed the lives of those involved.
Andrew Baker, 57, of Parry Sound, recently pled guilty to impaired driving causing bodily harm stemming from a collision that occurred on April 22, 2022.
On that day at 5:54 pm, the OPP were called to a motor vehicle collision on Aspdin Road In Muskoka Lakes Township.
Court heard that the vehicle Baker was driving crossed into the oncoming lanes and crashed head-on into another vehicle with two occupants.
One of the victims was airlifted to a Sudbury hospital with multiple injuries including a broken elbow, foot, hip and hand. The other victim was taken to Huntsville Hospital with minor injuries.
The victims read their victim impact statements to the court. In emotional testimony, they recounted their recovery from their injuries and the loss of the family dog, who was killed in the accident.
The Court heard Baker has three prior convictions for impaired driving.
The Crown argued that Baker should be sentenced to somewhere between 30 months and three years in jail. The defense argued that Baker should be sentenced to two years less a day under house arrest.
Baker will be sentenced June 5.
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I support Sybil Jackson’s suggestions for 10 years in prison and a life-long ban on driving.
Three prior convictions and 30 months to three years is enough? How about 10 years and a life-long ban on driving. I’m getting tired of reading about the dozens of people charged with drunk driving. These are only the few that get caught. How many dozens more get missed?