GEORGETOWN, P.E.I. — A woman who was driving impaired to her brother-in-law’s wake when she slammed her vehicle into a parked car has been sentenced to seven days in jail.
Cindy Gay MacDonald pleaded guilty in provincial court in Georgetown recently to having a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to or exceeds 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood within two hours after ceasing to operate a conveyance.
Police who were called to the scene of the collision in Souris on May 27 observed MacDonald sitting in the driver seat, court heard. MacDonald was moving slowly, slurring her speech and crying.
MacDonald had been leaning on alcohol to help cope with heavy personal losses, including the deaths of her husband in 2018, which has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her mother had also died earlier this year followed by the death of her brother-in-law.
Chief Judge Nancy Orr offered her sympathy to MacDonald for the difficult losses the woman has endured over the past couple years. However, Orr said it was unfortunate that MacDonald leaned on drinking as a result.
“The issue isn’t the fact you drink," she added, “it’s what you do after you drink."
Orr did note it was positive to learn that MacDonald has taken steps to address her issues with alcohol.
MacDonald will be on probation for 18 months and must perform 100 hours of community service work.
She was ordered to pay $100 to the victims of crime fund.
MacDonald is also prohibited from driving for one year.
