ATV driver jailed for five months for failing to give breath sample
Less than a year ago, a judge in Sarnia issued a stern warning to Geoff Glasser.
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“I can assure you, Mr. Glasser, that if you continue to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will be sentenced to further periods of incarceration – and periods of longer incarceration,” Judge Krista said. Lynn Leszczynski said on May 28. “Do you understand that?”
“Yeah, I know that,” he replied at the time from Sarnia jail after being handed a month-long sentence for his second drunk driving conviction.
On Tuesday, Glasser returned to the same prison, where he will begin serving a five-month sentence for failing or refusing to give police a breath sample and driving while prohibited.
The latest incident took place while he was riding a brand new red Honda ATV in downtown Thedford on May 6, 2021. He did not have a license plate, Lambton Provincial Police said at the time , and the court heard that all-terrain vehicles are not permitted on the main streets of Lambton Shores, which caught the attention of a nearby officer.
The 28-year-old with links to Lambton County and London was arrested as he was a banned driver at the time. He blamed asthma for his lack of cooperation with a request for a breath sample, but a trial was thwarted when he couldn’t get medical confirmation.
Instead, he pleaded guilty on Tuesday to both counts.
“It warrants a period of custody,” Judge Anne McFadyen said as she imposed the five-month sentence both sides suggested.
Defense attorney Terry Brandon said alcoholism and a life-threatening medical condition are behind his client’s repeated offenses.
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“He hasn’t done well over the years dealing with his medical situation and his living circumstances,” she said before standing up to hand him a tissue.
A tearful Glasser addressed the hybrid in-person and virtual court, but what he said was inaudible on the video feed.
The judge made sure that his medicine would be brought to the prison.
He has about two months left to serve after getting credit for his pre-trial detention.
Glasser, who already couldn’t drive due to previous court orders and had to be driven to court, is banned for another two years. Other charges were dropped.
