72-year-old driver with nine convictions caught behind the wheel again

'More or less I sit at home every day,' said the man, who was forced to sell his vehicle at a loss

When the cops stopped Harold Vincent as he drove along the highway east of Sault Ste. Marie last year, he readily admitted he was prohibited from getting behind the wheel. Ontario Provincial Police officers were on general patrol, westbound on Highway 17, near Desbarats at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30, a judge heard on July 3.

An automatic licence plate reader indicated the 2024 Tacoma may not be a legally operated vehicle, prosecutor Chris Thompson said. "Yep, I'm not licensed," Vincent told the police. The 72-year-old had been prohibited from driving following a Criminal Code conviction.

Officers impounded his vehicle and he was taken to the OPP detachment. Vincent has a lengthy record of driving offences with convictions spanning from the mid-1980s to June of last year. It includes seven prior impaired or refusal to provide a sample offences and two counts of driving while disqualified, the Crown told Ontario Court Justice Dana Peterson.

"Clearly from his actions he's not getting the message that he can't get behind the wheel," Thompson said, "and it's clear he'll do what he wants to do." Nothing short of incarceration will deal with what needs to be addressed, the assistant Crown attorney suggested. Four months jail and a three-year prohibition are appropriate "to get the message through to him and others that driving is a privilege."

Vincent, who was charged again last month, asked the judge to impose a sentence of house arrest. The Thessalon First Nation member provided the court with a doctor's letter regarding surgery he faces. He told Peterson he has sold his vehicle and took a loss on it.

As well, he has a trailer in Thessalon, but "can only get there when someone takes me there," he said. "More or less I sit at home every day." The judge responded that house arrest is onerous, and means no alcohol or drugs.

"The only drugs are from the doctor," Vincent told her. Peterson said the 120 days sought by the Crown is appropriate considering Vincent's record of nine previous driving convictions, including one for causing bodily harm. His medical issues and the level of care required show he is obviously compromised.

However, "the conditional order will be strict house arrest for six months," she decided. Vincent will be confined to his home, she ordered, and can only leave for medical and emergency appointments. He is permitted to be in the community two days a week – Mondays from 8 a.m. to noon and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get groceries and other necessities.

Vincent can still go out for appointments or with the permission of his sentence supervisor. He can't possess alcohol or drugs, and must take any recommended assessment, counselling or treatment. As well, he is prohibited from driving a vehicle for three years.

Peterson warned that if he doesn't follow the orders he will spend the remainder of the time behind bars.