Sudbury Driver gets Jail Time, Message Sent to other DUI Drivers
A Sudbury driver has been sentenced to jail time for drunk driving and causing a collision during mid-November. Barrie Severin caused a three-way traffic incident in Greater Sudbury’s South End two months ago, he was found to have been operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
On top of his jail time, Severin will be placed on six months’ probation, while his driver’s license has been suspended for 18 months. At the time of the collision on Regent Street, police noticed Severin was unsteady on his feet, while his eyes were glassed and he needed to lean against his truck to stay on his feet.
65-year old Severin was predicted to be facing 30 days of jail time that would be served on a weekend basis, but Ontario Court Justice Norman Glaude decided against lenience. Indeed, the court judge decided to make an example of Mr. Severin, teaching him a “lesson” and sending a message to others who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.
“This is a clear case where you have to go to jail,” Glaude told the 65-year-old man in a stern tone. “It sickens me to have to send you to jail to learn a lesson. It won’t be for 30 (days). It will be for 45 days.”
The accused pled guilty, but his admittance did little to sway Justice Glaude, especially as the Crown filed to have any punishment extended as this was Severin’s second DUI conviction in recent years. His defense had cited the fact that Mr. Severin suffers numerous medical conditions, is retired, takes 18 medications per day, and is 65-years old, asking for a 30 day intermittent sentence.
Assistant Crown attorney Kevin Ludgate said a jail term was necessary for Severin.
“He has to go to jail notwithstanding his medical issues,” said Ludgate.
As the sentence was passed, Severin said “I have no right to drive impaired. I agree with it … I shouldn’t have been driving at all.”
