impaired driving

Man sentenced to more than four years for impaired driving causing death

Tyler Harding, who was responsible for killing 29-year-old Katie Hynes when he drove drunk, has been sentenced to almost four-and-a-half years behind bars.

Harding, 30, had pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death and breaching court orders, including conditions that he not consume alcohol.

The sentence was handed down Thursday by Judge Phyllis Harris in provincial court in St John’s. It was in keeping with what the Crown had recommended. As part of the sentence, Harding is also banned from driving for 15 years. Harding appeared via video link from the West Coast Correctional Centre in Stephenville.

During proceedings, sobs could be heard in courtroom as Hynes’ family members expressed their emotion. Hynes died as a result of a crash that happened Aug. 8, 2021. She was the passenger in a pickup truck, driven by Harding, who had been drinking that night at Bella Vista club. Witnesses say he was so drunk, he was slurring his words, and the couple appeared to have been arguing. The truck crashed into a ditch on the Torbay Bypass Road near the Jack Byrne Arena. Police say Harding had a blood alcohol level of double the legal limit. Investigators determined he was driving 108 km/hr in the 70 km/hr zone.

“There’s no victory,” Hynes’ mother, Lori Hynes, told reporters after proceedings while wiping tears.

The family later told NTV that they hope this tragedy will make people realize the seriousness of impaired driving and stop anyone thinking about getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

“Just look at what happened to us,” Lori Hynes said, sobbing.

Hynes’ 14-year-old sister, Kylee Greeley, said she will miss her sister and will never forget all the love Katie showed her.

Nain woman charged with impaired driving after ATV strikes child on bicycle

A 39-year-old woman in Nain faces multiple charges after an ATV struck a child on a bicycle.

The RCMP say it happened on Sunday afternoon. The ATV was moving at a high speed when it struck the child on a residential street. The ATV rider fled the scene before police arrived. The child was not physically injured.

Frances Jararuse, who was prohibited from driving, was located and arrested a short time later by Nain RCMP. Police say Jararuse provided them with a false name. At the detachment, she provided breath samples that were three times the legal limit. 

Jararuse was held for court and is charged with the following criminal offences:

·         Impaired operation of a motor vehicle

·         Impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg% 

·         Driving while prohibited

·         Failing to stop at the scene of a collision

·         Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

·         Obstructing a peace officer

Jararuse was due to appear in court on Tuesday.

Driver facing several charges after fleeing from police

One person is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police in downtown St. John’s on Saturday afternoon.

At about 5:00 Saturday afternoon members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) attempted to stop a vehicle in the downtown area of St. John’s. The driver refused to stop for police and evaded officers at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was located a short distance away after the driver had collided with a sign post and traffic light pole. The force of the collision sent the sign post several metres into the nearby intersection.

The driver of the car attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by officers.

As a result, a forty-four year old male was arrested and charged with impaired driving, impaired refusal, dangers operation of a motor vehicle, hit and run, flight from police, and driving while suspended. The driver was also given tickets for having open liquor in the vehicle, and expired registration.

They were held for court in the morning and their vehicle was impounded.

Woman charged after crashing vehicle, boarding school bus and assaulting students

A 37-year-old Grates Cove woman is facing a number of criminal charges, including assault and refusing to comply with a breath demand, after a single-vehicle crash that occurred yesterday afternoon in Lower Island Cove.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Harbour Grace RCMP received the report of the crash that occurred on the Main Road in Lower Island Cove, involving a suspected impaired driver.

While police were responding, the driver of a school bus, who came upon the crash, stopped to see if help was needed. The woman involved in the crash boarded the bus, which was occupied with students from grades 7-12, and assaulted two students inside. Another bus, which was without students, arrived at the scene and stopped to assist. The woman entered that bus and was detained inside until police arrival.

Police attended the scene and the driver, Nicole Driscoll, who showed signs of impairment. She was arrested for impaired driving and assault and was transported to the detachment where she assaulted an officer and refused to provide breath samples.

Driscoll, who was on conditions of a court release order, was held in police custody. She appeared in court Wednesday today and was charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Assault – two counts
  • Assaulting a police officer
  • Refusing a breath demand
  • Failing to comply with a condition of a court release order

The investigation is continuing.

Police concerned some cannabis users not taking impaired driving seriously enough

Police are concerned that some cannabis users are not taking impaired driving seriously enough, with the perception that cannabis has less of an impact that alcohol or stronger drugs. NTV’s Rosie Mullaley reports.

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