Alcohol strikes again.
As I write this Monday afternoon, I can safely say that, as I can pretty much every docket day in Yorkton court.
As we embark on the next four years with a new government that has promised to end prohibition of marijuana, there will undoubtedly be a hew and cry as there was when previous governments attempted to legalize the demon fire water.
If ever there was a recreational drug that warranted prohibition, however, it is CH3CH2OH.
According to recent American statistics, alcohol is a factor in 40 per cent of violent crimes.
“Alcohol, more than any illegal drug, was found to be closely associated with violent crimes, including murder, rape, assault, child and spousal abuse,” states the National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependence website.
It is not just violent crime, however. Every Monday, you can bet Section 253 (impaired driving) of the Criminal Code will be well represented. And, any time you see Section 430 (mischief), it’s worth placing a bet good ol’ ethanol is lurking somewhere in the court documents.
On Monday, there was a case worthy of mention, although newsworthy. As soon as I saw Sections 129 (resisting arrest) and 264.1 (uttering threats), I had a couple of suspicions.
Surprise, surprise, alcohol was involved and so was the City Limits Inn. Now, I am not casting any aspersions on the place, I’m sure it’s a fine establishment, but you have to admit, it sure comes up a lot in court.
Anyway, this poor young fellow stood up in front of the judge Monday and pleaded guilty to, essentially, being an idiot. I say that with all due compassion because idiocy is a state that alcohol can so easily turn almost any reasonable human being to.
Unfortunately for our erstwhile imbiber, he did not wind up safely passed out in his bed or on a friend’s couch, but rather covered in blood in the alley behind a notorious drinking hole.
According to the joint Crown/defence submission, police attempted to ascertain the identity of said bloody drunk, who became verbally abusive and uncooperative when they tried to arrest him.
He has no memory of any of this, but will sport a nifty little criminal record while paying off $800 in victim surcharges and attending treatment programs for addictions and anger management.
I am not advocating for anything here, I just can’t help but think this scenario would have turned out very differently had he opted for a spliff over a bottle.
