His online Brandon University faculty profile says his “greatest strength lies in his extreme versatility with both comedy and drama,” but David M. Playfair probably wasn’t laughing when he realized the implications some crystal meth would have for him while working in Estevan with a local theatre production.
The 62-year-old Playfair teaches drama and fine arts at Brandon University.
On Aug. 2, police were called to a report of a man wandering south of Estevan. Playfair was picked up in bare feet, wearing pyjama bottoms, and carrying a toothbrush. They found 1.4 grams of crystal meth on him.
Federal Crown prosecutor Eric Neufeld told Judge Margaret Gordon on Monday that Playfair had no criminal record, but the quantity of the drug was outside the amount that could have been considered for alternatives measures. He suggested a three-month conditional discharge, meaning that if Playfair kept straight during that time, he would not end up with a criminal record.
This was a joint submission between the Crown and defence, with an associated guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine. Estevan lawyer Kathryn Gilliss represented Playfair.
She explained Playfair was camping in the general area, working with a theatre production. He had been travelling from his residence to the washroom area, which would explain his attire.
“He’s embarrassed this has been brought before the court,” Gilliss told the judge.
Gordon said of the suggested sentence, “It’s certainly in Mr. Playfair’s interest. I hope that doesn’t lead him to early retirement. I will grant a conditional discharge.”
