The aftermath of an incident Dec. 17, 2019 at Carlton Park Suites. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Impaired driving

Drunk driver, responsible for smashing family’s living room window, receives $5,000 fine

Jul 23, 2020 | 5:35 PM

A woman who drove her vehicle into the living room window of a lower level Prince Albert apartment, just moments after a young child left the room, has received a $5,000 fine, and a two-year driving prohibition.

Jesse Danttouze, 37, was sentenced Thursday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court, after pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge.

The incident last December happened just before noon at Carlton Park Suites.The tenants of the apartment, which included two young children, were previously in the room moments before the vehicle came crashing through the window, spreading shards of glass and debris all over. The vehicle was attempting to reverse when the family returned to the room.

“An ordinary person wouldn’t be able to function with those kinds of readings” – _{Judge Thomas Healey}

According to the statement of facts read in court by Crown prosecutor Andreanne Dube, Danttouze’s blood alcohol at the time was 0.210, nearly three times over the legal limit.

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Court heard Danttouze was slurring her words and had trouble walking to the police vehicle.

“She was moving very slowly in her walking and her gesturing and was almost lethargic,” Dube described. “There was an odour of alcohol on her breath even in a well ventilated area.”

The impact from the crash caused the windshield of the Dodge Durango to shatter. (submitted photo/April Laviolette)

The Crown’s sentencing submission was for a fine of $4,000 to $5,000, as well as a probationary period of 18 months.

“This was a matter that could have led to a term of incarceration,” Dube said, before adding the Crown was more focused on rehabilitation, noting Danttouze had no criminal record and was on a positive path in her life.

The court worker assigned to represent Danttouze, Shane Cook, explained his client was enrolled at Northlands College in La Ronge and was trying to complete her high school diploma. When asked by Provincial Court Judge Thomas Healey, if his client thought she had a major issue with alcohol, Shane Cook replied she didn’t.

When given the opportunity to speak, Danttouze said she had no comment. Healey then proceeded to sentencing and explained he was troubled by the facts of the case.

“Those are huge readings,” he said. “I hear Mr. Cook say you don’t have a problem with alcohol and maybe you don’t but an ordinary person wouldn’t be able to function with those kinds of readings.”

Healey explained to Danttouze she was extremely fortunate no one was hurt during the incident, adding she could have very well been facing a lengthy jail sentence. At this point, Danttouze interrupted and apologized for her actions, acknowledging she made a mistake.

In the end Healey said he found the Crown’s position with regards to sentencing to be appropriate and imposed a fine of $5,000, plus a $1,500 victim surcharge.

“I recognize that’s a lot but frankly in this the actions were extremely severe,” Healey said.

Danttouze has also been prohibited from owning a driver’s license for two years, and will be on probation for 18 months. Her conditions include keeping the peace, not possessing or consuming alcohol, or being in a place where alcohol is sold.

During the Crown’s submissions, Dube noted the estimated total cost of the damage was $25,000. Despite numerous attempts by the Crown and police to contact the apartment owner, a reply was never received, and so a restitution order was not sought.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell