Former Conservative MP cleared of drunk driving charges
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/04/2007 (7002 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A former Manitoba Conservative MP was cleared of drunk driving charges Thursday after a judge found he offered a “reasonable” explanation for his behaviour.
Felix Holtmann admits he was drinking on the night of May 24, 2002 but denied being legally impaired. No breath test was taken.
A police officer testified at trial he became suspicious when Holtmann was driving under the speed limit and switching lanes on the Perimeter Highway.
After pulling him over, Holtmann then stumbled briefly and smelled of alcohol.
Provincial court Chief Judge Mary Kate Harvie said while there is “some” evidence of impairment, she’s not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt.
She cited Holtmann’s claim that he was simply making a routine lane change and driving cautiously when stopped by police as plausible.
Holtmann — who served in the Portage-Interlake riding during his tenure — also denied stumbling as described by the officer.
“You may want to assess whether you want to modify your behaviour in the future regarding drinking any alcohol before you get behind the wheel of a car,” Harvie told Holtmann.