SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A 35-year-old Margate man was in court recently for drunk driving.
Curtis John Picketts pleaded guilty to impaired driving after an incident at Red Shores in Summerside on July 26.
Crown attorney Christopher White said when Picketts went to leave around 11 p.m., security staff offered to call him a cab, but he refused, saying he’d walk home. Security staff called police when they found Picketts in his car in the parking lot a short time later.
Picketts drove away, and police found him on Greenwood Drive, eventually pulling him over on Notre Dame Street.
Police arrested Picketts when they noted a strong smell of alcohol and that Picketts’ motor skills seemed impaired.
Picketts was sentenced to three days in jail, prohibited from driving for 12 months and, fined $1,000. He must also pay $300 in victim surcharges.
Defense attorney Iain McCarvill said Picketts has no prior criminal record, he’s employed full-time and made his employer aware of the charges right away.
McCarvill read from a letter of reference that Picketts’ actions were out of character and a statement from Picketts, who said he understands his actions were unacceptable and had the potential to cause harm to the community.
McCarvill requested the minimum fine and an intermittent sentence.
Judge Krista MacKay said there are no weekend sentences available at this time.
“This is specific and general deterrence. (I want) the public to know that if you’re drinking and driving in Prince County you’re going to jail,” said MacKay.
