By Charlene Tebbutt

Police officer testifies in his own defence at impaired driving trial

Jun 25, 2018 | 5:53 PM

A Prince Albert police officer charged with impaired driving testified in his own defence Monday.  

Constable Brett Lee Henry testified that he drank five schooners at one bar as well as seven godfathers – a drink that includes both Scotch and amaretto – at another bar on the night of March 2, 2017 and into the morning of March 3. Henry, 36, pleaded not guilty to one count of impaired driving in relation to the alleged incident.

The trial, which started in April, included evidence from a number of witnesses who claimed they saw Henry drinking before getting into his vehicle. Evidence from several witnesses said the 14-year veteran of the police service showed signs of impairment including an odour of alcohol, slurred speech, and trouble walking.

On the stand Henry admitted to drinking but denied he was impaired. He said he became talkative and emotional and started to squint his eyes later on in the evening, but was adamant that he was under the legal limit. Henry said he also ate a burger, fries, and some wings during the evening, and drank at least 10 glasses of water. The officer said he favours his right knee, as it bothers him as a result of playing hockey, and also has a bad hip and weak ankles from playing racquetball, which can make him appear unsteady on his feet.

Henry told the court he drove to a third bar early in the morning of March 3, 2017, and swallowed four prescription anxiety pills in his car on the way. He said he had been struggling with anxiety and depression from the stress of his job, specifically the death of another officer in a vehicle rollover several years ago. Henry said he was seeing a counsellor and had used about 60 sick days while seeking help.  

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On the night of the alleged incident, Henry said he had talked with a superior officer about mental health amongst officers and PTSD, and was in a heightened state of anxiety as the night wore on.

“My concern was the way we never dealt with mental health issues in the Prince Albert Police Service,” Henry said in court.

Henry testified he put in a phone call to another officer early in the night hoping to find someone to talk with. That officer, Cst. Darcy Bear, told the court he picked Henry up outside the Gas Tavern, a local bar, and Henry spent about 10 minutes crying in the vehicle before asking to be taken back to the bar. Bear said Henry smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet.

Henry said he felt the medication hitting him while he was at the Gas Tavern and called a cab to go home, leaving his car in the parking lot. He called in sick to work a little after 3 a.m. that same morning.

Staff Sgt. Tadd Kellett took the stand and said he took that call. He said Henry “sounded tired and intoxicated.”

Henry was alerted that he was being investigated for impaired driving the next morning and was charged last July. He has been on administrative duties with the Prince Albert Police Service since.

The case is scheduled to continue September 4 with closing arguments. The charge against Henry has not been proven in court. 

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt