Cabbie tries to stop drunk driver

A P.E.I. man who drove drunk and caused two accidents despite a taxi driver trying to stop him was sentenced recently to 30 days in jail.

Brandon Kent Mitchell, 25, appeared before Chief Judge Jeff Lantz in provincial court in Charlottetown after previously pleading guilty to drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

Crown attorney Jeff MacDonald told the court that on Nov. 6 at around 6 a.m., Mitchell took a taxi to his girlfriend’s residence.

The court heard the taxi driver noticed Mitchell appeared to be intoxicated.

MacDonald said Mitchell told the cabbie he was going to drive his vehicle, which the taxi driver advised him not to do.

The driver stuck around to make sure Mitchell didn’t get behind the wheel, but after about 15 minutes the accused tried to leave, MacDonald said.

The court heard the cabbie tried to block Mitchell so he couldn’t drive away but was unsuccessful.

MacDonald said Mitchell’s vehicle brushed against the taxi as he left and proceeded to run stop signs and red lights before hitting a truck.

At that point, the same taxi driver stopped Mitchell from trying to leave again, MacDonald said.

Mitchell later provided breathalyzer samples that were more than twice the legal limit.

The court heard there was light damage to the truck and the taxi, with Mitchell’s vehicle taking the most damage.

MacDonald said Mitchell placed himself and the general public in danger, adding that the accused’s actions were “deplorable.”

Defence lawyer Alex Dalton told the court Mitchell was extremely ashamed of his actions.

In sentencing Mitchell, Lantz said it was fortunate nobody was seriously injured.

“It just defies logic as to why someone would behave in this manner,” Lantz said.

Along with the jail time, Mitchell will be on probation for one year and he is subject to a one-year driving prohibition.

Mitchell must also perform 100 hours of community service.