Long-weekend party leads to long-term inconvenience for impaired driver

by Andy Campbell

Feb 28, 2008

SUNDRIDGE – A rowdy long-weekend camper made a return visit to Almaguin recently, but this time it was definitely not for pleasure.

Frank Firmani, 22, of Grimsby, was arrested for impaired driving on July 2, 2007. He pled guilty in Sundridge provincial court on Feb. 19.

According to the police report, staff at Mikisew Provincial Park were dealing with a group of rowdy, noisy young men who were disturbing campers in the early morning hours of July 2. One of them was taken to the park office.

Shortly after, Firmani drove his pickup truck to the park office. Seeing that he was intoxicated, park staff took his keys and called police. On arrival, they noted that his eyes were watery and he smelled of alcohol. Two subsequent breath tests yielded readings of 170 and 160 milligrams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood. The Crown recommended a fine of $750 and the mandatory one-year driving prohibition.

“Given the readings, it does seem an appropriate amount,” said duty counsel Mike Thurston.

It was noted that Firmani, who is studying to be a machinist, will be adequately penalized as he attempts to commute to college without driving.

“This is just the start of expense and bother for you, Mr. Firmani,” said Justice Lawrence Klein.

Klein issued the fine, plus the victim fine surcharge, and gave Firmani 30 days to pay.