Parry Sound woman fined $1,500, one-year driving prohibition

A call to police about a suspicious vehicle resulted in the discovery of a drunk driver.

Kate-Lynn Powless, 25, of Parry Sound appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in Huntsville on Wednesday, June 12 where she pleaded guilty to a charge of 80 or over.

Crown attorney Melissa MacDonald told the court on April 25, police received a call at 3:44 p.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle parked adjacent to 37 Centre St. N. Police arrived at the location, the trailhead of the Hunters Bay Trail, and Powless exited the driver’s seat of the black Saturn.

“The accused admitted to hanging out and smoking marijuana,” said MacDonald. “She showed the officer a bong.”

Police also discovered a half full 26 ounce bottle of Captain Morgan spiced rum.

MacDonald said police described Powless as hyperactive, she moved around while speaking, her speech was slurred and the officer could smell the odour of alcohol on her breath.

Powless admitted to drinking one-quarter of the Captain Morgan bottle.

Nearly three hours later, samples of Powless’ breath revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 125 and 130 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres per blood.

Acting as duty counsel was Jay Herbert, who told the court Powless grew up in Muskoka but recently moved to the Parry Sound District “to get away from this crowd.

“She thought a change to Parry Sound would help her,” said Herbert.

He also added that the car keys were not in the ignition but were on the floor at Powless’ feet.

Powless said she recognized what she did was wrong and realized she “could have made a better decision.”

Justice Enno Meijers found Powless guilty and sentenced her to a $1,500 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.

Source: MuskokaRegion.com