A fifth drunk-driving-related conviction has resulted in a four-month prison sentence for a Westlock-area man.
Gary Paul Wanuch, appeared in Westlock Provincial Court Wednesday where he was sentenced for refusing to provide a breath sample and six counts of breaching court orders.
Crown prosecutor Jeff Morrison said Wanuch was driving in the Westlock area on Oct. 9, 2011, when he was pulled over and the officer noticed signs of intoxication. Wanuch refused to provide breath samples.
The six counts of breaching court orders — some for breaching recognizance and others for breaching probation — all related to breaches of the condition that he abstain from alcohol except one, which was a breach of a no-contact order.
Defence lawyer Bruce Lennon said Wanuch successfully completed a residential treatment program, and has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous regularly.
“He has a fairly positive report; he wasn’t just sitting there he was actively involved,” Lennon said.
Lennon and Morrison provided a joint sentencing submission for 120 days in jail for failing to provide a breath sample, plus 30 days concurrent on each of the breaches.
Judge John Higgerty said while he was compelled to sentence Wanuch to 120 days with a three-year driving prohibition, it was with regret because of Wanuch’s personal circumstances and his efforts to turn his life around.
Wanuch was a victim of the residential school system in his youth, which has caused problems for him, but recently he has completed residential treatment and is successfully addressing an alcohol addiction.
“We have far too high a number, and a disproportionate number of native people locked up,” Higgerty said, but added he couldn’t cut Wanuch any slack because of his four prior convictions.
“The message has to go out to the community, with all the death and destruction due to drunk driving, that there are serious consequences,” he said.
Higgerty asked if Wanuch had anything to say for himself, and Wanuch took the opportunity to apologize and commit to turning his life around. “I’d like to apologize for my actions,” he said. “I know my journey begins the day I left treatment, and I see a good future ahead.”
