A Guelph man has been convicted after a dangerous and erratic driving incident on Highway 11 in Huntsville that court heard unfolded over several kilometres and put numerous motorists at risk.
Satname Mahey, 40, pleaded guilty in a Bracebridge courtroom to impaired driving and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest, a two-year driving prohibition and 12 months of probation.
Court heard that on July 6, 2024, Huntsville Ontario Provincial Police received multiple traffic complaints involving a Land Rover travelling on Highway 11 in Huntsville. Several callers reported the vehicle was “all over the road,” with its speed fluctuating dramatically.
The erratic driving forced at least one transport truck onto the shoulder, while another transport was forced to stop on the highway to avoid a collision. The situation escalated when the driver, later identified as Mahey, stopped his vehicle and exited it on the highway.
According to the facts read into court, Mahey approached the transport truck and aggressively knocked on the driver’s door before returning to his vehicle. He then continued driving at a slow speed, attempting to block all lanes of traffic by positioning his vehicle in the middle of the highway. While doing so, he made obscene gestures toward other motorists.
This behaviour continued for approximately 15 minutes, court heard. Mahey then suddenly accelerated, reaching speeds estimated at up to 200 km/h, and drove completely out of sight of other motorists. His vehicle ultimately crashed into a ditch.
OPP officers located Mahey following the crash. Police noted a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. Mahey refused to provide a breath sample and was arrested at the scene.
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The punishment is ridiculous!! Endangering so many people! That’s attempted murder. He hasn’t learned anything except he looses his “toys” for a short while. He needs to loose his license for at least 5 years, go to anger management, go to AA and do community service. If he doesn’t do it, go to jail or if he is an immigrant-he should loose his right to live in this country. Let’s make a real impression to stop this madness.