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‘This is really bad,’ says judge

A Stettler woman is facing a hefty fine and victim surcharge after being arrested earlier this year for impaired driving

A Stettler woman is facing a hefty fine and victim surcharge after being arrested earlier this year for impaired driving in an incident that Judge G.E. Deck called “really bad.”

The court heard that Stettler RCMP responded to a complaint near Dairy Queen about an intoxicated driver last month, and located Rose Duda.

When Duda was stopped by the police, she appeared “somewhat confused,” the Crown prosecutor told the court.

When Duda had a breath sample taken to determine her level of intoxication, it reached levels that were considered “aggravating.”

When a person reaches a blood alcohol reading of 160mg it is considered aggravating, Deck said. Duda registered a reading of 290mg.

“So this is really bad,” he said. “You were driving so badly that a civilian had to call police, you were so frightening.”

Duda pleaded guilty to the charge of impaired driving, and as such as sentenced to a fine of $1,800. Despite having no previous record, the aggravating level of impairment registered a higher fine. In addition to the $1,800,

Duda will be required to pay a $540 victim surcharge.

The court gave Duda six months to pay the hefty fines. Duda is also suspended from driving for 15 months, and at some point will have to re-apply for her driver’s licence.

Also in court were several individuals setting trial dates or entering pleas. Stettler resident Kayla Kobi appeared before the court not only to set trial dates on charges of break and enter and possession of stolen goods, but also to request that her conditions be amended.

Kobi has been trying to find a new job since her conditions imposed a curfew upon her, and prevents her from being in a location where the primary purpose is the sale of alcohol.

Before her arrest, Kobi worked in a bar, the court was told.

Kobi asked if the Court would amend her conditions to allow her to remain out after her curfew on work-related causes, or in the company of one of her grandparents, who are her surety during this time of release. Further, she asked if the conditions could be amended to let her visit places that sell alcohol and be in possession of alcohol, so she could resume working in the bar.

The court agreed, though the condition stating Kobi cannot consume alcohol remains in place.

Alberta Provincial Court next takes place in Stettler on June 26.