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Judge: ‘Does anyone in Princeton have a licence?’

Charges of driving while prohibited, or while suspended, clutter the court docket
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Six men answered charges in Princeton court last month of driving while prohibited. (File photo)

Charges of driving while prohibited, or while suspended, clutter the court docket in Princeton each month.

In July, it prompted Judge Robin Smith to quip from the bench: “Does anyone in Princeton have a licence?”

Cpl. Mike Halskov, media relations officer for B.C. RCMP Traffic Services, told The Spotlight it is a common problem, causing a common arrest in many jurisdictions.

During the August court sitting, six men answered to charges of driving while prohibited or with a suspended licence.

Trevor Hunt pleaded guilty to two counts. As the incidents constituted a second offense, Crown sought 14 days in jail.

Judge Gregory Koturbash indicated it was not possible to sentence Hunt to weekends, because of COVID protocols.

The judge instead opted for a $1,000 fine and a further 12-month driving suspension.

“You’ve indicated to me you are raising two young children. I’m assuming going to jail would be complicated,” Koturbash said.

“I can assure you it’s a huge break.

“I can tell you this sort of arrangement isn’t going to happen in the future.”

Related: Hedley man claims he is compelled to drive despite no license and lengthy record

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Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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