A long-time truck driver lost his driver’s licence for a year after rolling his semi on Highway 39 this fall.
Johnnie L. Johnson pleaded guilty Monday to operating a motor vehicle while his blood alcohol level was over .08.
On Oct. 23 he rolled his semi north of Hitchcock on Highway 39. A load of hay bales was spilled, according to Crown prosecutor Chris White.
White told Judge Margaret Gordon that Johnson told police he had been drinking and was drunk.
Johnson blew .130 and .120, over the limit of .08.
White said Johnson’s last prior conviction for drinking and driving was from in 1985.
“I am a truck driver. Without a licence, I don’t have an income. I’ve been doing part-time jobs. I joined Alcoholics Anonymous because I have a problem. I’ve been trucking 38 years,” Johnson told the judge.
She told him, “Your record is very dated and your livelihood is affected.”
Gordon handed down a sentence just above the mandatory minimum, imposing a $1,100 fine plus applicable victim impact surcharge, as well as a one-year driving prohibition. Johnson was given up to the end of April 2019 to pay.
