Sudbury driver couldn't believe he failed roadside screening test

Driver before a Sudbury court a second time in four years for drinking and driving

Article content After telling a police officer at a spot check that he had not been drinking but then failing a breath test that detected alcohol, a Sudbury man exclaimed: “I can’t believe I blew a fail with two beers.” As a result, the officer charged Lance Delongchamp with impaired driving and having open liquor in his vehicle. Recommended Videos In the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury, Delongchamp, 46, pleaded guilty to blowing over 80.

In exchange, the Crown dropped the impaired driving and open liquor charges. The conviction was Delongchamp’s second related to drinking and driving, the first occurring in 2022. “The hope is you come through the system once for an offence related to drinking and driving, you won’t come back,” Justice John Condon, appearing via Zoom link, told Delongchamp.

“Unfortunately, that’s not your situation ... “The hope (now) is there won’t be a third time. You put the general public, as well as yourself, at risk. I hope that at 46, this is the last lesson you need to learn in this regard.”

Condon, accepting a joint sentencing submission, issued a $1,500 fine and a one-year licence suspension. In 2002, Delongchamp was fined $600 and issued a one-year licence suspension for drunk driving. In the latest case, the court heard through an agreed statement of facts that Greater Sudbury Police officers had set up a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot check at the intersection of Spruce Street and Falconbridge Road in Garson about 11:05 p.m. on April 25.

Minutes later, police stopped Delongchamp. After failing the Approved Screening Device test, police noted Delongchamp had a strong odour of alcohol on his breath. He later produced Intoxilyzer readings of 160 and 140, the first reading being twice the legal limit of 80 while driving.

Assistant Crown attorney Muhammad Sana-Ulah told the court Delongchamp’s guilty plea was an early one. “He is taking responsibility and has a dated record,” said Sana-Ulah. “It’s a fit and proper sentence in the circumstances.”

Defence lawyer Berk Keaney said Delongchamp, who works as a plumber, was accepting responsibility for what he had done. X: @HaroldCarmichae