WESTLOCK – A 20-year-old Barrhead woman with no criminal record was taken away in handcuffs after she was sentenced to nine months in jail for a drunk driving crash.
Court heard that in July 2023 Lexus Uden had rolled her vehicle, causing bodily harm to her two passengers. They were all wearing their seat belts.
Uden pleaded guilty earlier this year and a pre-sentence report was ordered.
“In my view jail is required,” said Crown Prosecutor Eric Mosley, adding that it is a high gravity offence.
Mosley acknowledged that Uden's guilty plea is a sign of remorse, and he said she has a good prospect for rehabilitation.
The Crown and defence entered a joint sentencing submission to the court.
Uden came from a privileged home and excelled in school, court heard. After graduating from high school, she attended university in Edmonton but ended up dropping out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defence lawyer C. McMahon said Uden is very remorseful and regrets her “terrible decision” to drink and drive.
“She is mad at herself for putting her friends at risk,” said McMahon.
“A vehicle is a killing machine no doubt about it when it’s not properly handled,” said Justice R. M. Saccomani when accepting the joint sentencing submission, adding that most people convicted of impaired driving are “good citizens who have taken a risk.”
After Uden is released from jail she will be on 12 months of probation.
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