A local man who drove his girlfriend's vehicle into the bush area accidentally while his driver's license was suspended was hit with a heavy fine and further one-year driving suspension Tuesday.
Court heard Tuesday Steven Pelletier and his brother were at a family function on Dec. 14, 2005, when the accused decided to get behind the wheel with his brother and drove Pelletier's girlfriend's vehicle.
On a back road near Chelmsford, the vehicle didn't make a turn and ended up driving into a bush area, causing extensive damage to the vehicle.
Court heard Pelletier's driver's license was under suspension at the time of this incident and he knew he should not have been driving any vehicle at the time.
Under all the circumstances, a fine of $1,500 and further 12-month license suspension would be an appropriate sentence, said assistant Crown attorney Grace Kurke.
Before sentence was imposed, Pelletier told the court his life was "drifting aimlessly" at the time, but he's back working full-time, is back with his girlfriend and he's refocused in his life and doing well.
Justice Andre Guay congratulated Pelletier for admitting what he did was wrong that day and for turning his life around and getting back on his feet.
Guay gave Pelletier 12 months to pay his hefty fine.
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