The Supreme Court has overturned a driving prohibition against a Saskatchewan man involved in a fatal crash, citing errors in the original trial.
The decision, released on Friday, states that the trial judge made a mistake in determining that the man’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at the time of the crash.
The incident occurred in 2016, when the man was driving a pickup truck that collided with a car, resulting in the death of a passenger in the car. The man was charged with impaired driving causing death and was found guilty in provincial court.
However, the Supreme Court found that the trial judge did not properly consider the evidence presented by the man’s defense, which argued that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit at the time of the crash.
The court also noted that the trial judge did not take into account the possibility of a “post-incident rise” in the man’s blood alcohol level, which could have resulted in a higher reading when he was tested by police.
As a result, the Supreme Court has overturned the man’s conviction and driving prohibition, and has ordered a new trial.
The decision has sparked debate among legal experts, with some arguing that it sets a precedent for future cases involving impaired driving.
The man’s lawyer, who represented him in the Supreme Court appeal, expressed relief at the decision and stated that his client is looking forward to a fair trial.
The Crown prosecutor has not yet commented on the ruling.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and accurate consideration of evidence in legal proceedings, especially in cases with serious consequences such as impaired driving causing death. The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the need for a fair and just legal system, and the responsibility of all parties involved to ensure that justice is served.
