Judge concerned drunk driver is 'not getting the message'

Robert Lesage made a big mistake when he refused a police "courtesy ride home" offer last year.

The 61-year-old had been drinking and it was apparent to the cop that he shouldn't be behind the wheel, a judge heard on Sept. 8.

When the Ontario Provincial Police officer spoke to him at the driver's side window during the Aug. 4, 2025 stop on Highway 17 in Garden River First Nation , there was a strong odour of alcohol.

"He was highly intoxicated and slurring his words," assistant Crown attorney Simran Patawari said.

Lesage declined the offer, telling the officer he had been at a family reunion and just lived a short drive away.

He was then spotted getting on a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle and driving away.