Springwater mayor no longer faces impaired, dangerous driving charges
Plea agreement reduces charges to careless driving
by Rick Vanderlinde Barrie Advance August 24 2020
Springwater Mayor Don Allen no longer faces charges of impaired driving and dangerous operation of a vehicle after agreeing to a lesser charge of careless driving.
Provincial court documents show the more serious criminal charges against Allen were dropped by prosecutors July 31.
Allen, 68, had faced the possibility of a criminal record if he was found guilty of the charges laid by Huronia West OPP in August 2019.
Careless driving is a Highway Traffic Act violation that is heard in provincial offences court and can result in a fine and driving demerit points.
“A non-event,” Allen said when reached at his home for comment Aug. 24.
Springwater mayor cleared of impaired, dangerous driving charges
Don Allen pleaded guilty to careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act
By Marg. Bruineman Barrie Today August 24 2020
Impaired and dangerous driving charges against the mayor of Springwater Township have been dropped.
Don Allen has instead pleaded guilty to careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Allen was fined $1,000, received a 12-month probation period, and also had his licence suspended for four months on the careless driving charge.
The 68-year-old mayor was saddled with impaired and dangerous driving charges Aug. 6, 2019, in connection with an event that occurred a few days earlier on June 26.
At the time, Huronia West OPP said they had received a complaint of an impaired driver. Officers responded to the call at a business parking lot on Wilson Drive in Springwater Township and patrolled the area, but couldn’t locate the vehicle.
Allen was charged two months later.
On July 31, Allen pleaded guilty to careless driving and the criminal charges against him were withdrawn, according to the Crown attorney’s office.
Calls to Allen and his lawyer seeking comment were not returned.
I do think Don should explain why he said it was a non issue. It is obvious that his driving manner was beyond normal when the incident at Vespra Hills happened or he wouldn’t have pleaded guilty to the reduced Careless Driving charge. I think the public is entitled to know what are the conditions of a year long probation which seems to be unusual for a provincial offence. It would be appropriate that he finally addresses the issue in public and apologizes to Springwater Council and residents.