A 21-year-old man from Cottam has admitted to dangerous driving partway through his trial over a serious crash that occurred in October 16, 2022.
Cameron Drouillard had been facing four charges connected to a rollover on Finn Lane in Lakeshore, including impaired and dangerous driving causing bodily harm, as well as failing to provide the necessities of life. On Thursday, he acknowledged that his driving was objectively dangerous and that he lost control of his pickup truck, causing it to overturn.
The crash injured a 19-year-old woman who was riding with him. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle, suffering lasting injuries to her back, neck, and eye. Both had attended a party in Kingsville earlier that evening. Although Drouillard had consumed alcohol, expert evidence could not confirm whether his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit at the time of the crash.
In court, the victim described the long-term impact of her injuries, noting they have significantly altered her daily life and ability to work. She also spoke about the emotional toll caused by rumours in their small community, including false claims that she had been the driver and was intoxicated.
The court heard that Drouillard falsely told emergency responders, police, and hospital staff that the victim had been driving. He told the court that he was 18 at the time and made a reckless decision, adding that he chose to plead guilty after hearing testimony from victim’s mother about the lasting physical and emotional toll on her daughter.
The woman said his decision led to further trauma while she was hospitalized, as police treated her as though she was responsible for the crash. She told the court that the lack of accountability intensified her suffering and hindered her recovery.
Justice Brian Dube criticized Drouillard’s conduct after the crash, saying his focus appeared to be on protecting himself rather than telling the truth. While acknowledging that a guilty plea is typically considered a mitigating factor, the judge emphasized that Drouillard’s years of dishonesty worsened the situation.
Justice Dube imposed an eight-month conditional sentence, including 60 days of house confinement. Additional conditions prohibit Drouillard from contacting the victim, require him to keep a distance of at least 30 metres from her, and ban him from consuming or purchasing alcohol or drugs.
Any violation could result in arrest and incarceration for the remainder of the sentence. Following completion of the conditional sentence, Drouillard will serve one year of probation.