Holland College president sentenced to 7 days in jail, fine for failing breathalyzer
Brian Higgins | CBC News | Posted: June 20, 2016 5:36 PM | Last Updated: June 20, 2016
'I take complete responsibility for my action ... no excuses'
The president of P.E.I.'s Holland College has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to seven days in jail and a fine of $1,500 in provincial court for failing a breathalyzer test May 1.
Brian McMillan was charged following the incident in May. A charge of impaired driving was stayed by the Crown prosecutor.
McMillan was charged by Charlottetown police and has taken a leave of absence as president of the province's only community college, where he has served as president for the past 11 years.
"I take complete responsibility for my action," McMillan told judge Nancy Orr as he stood to be sentenced. "No excuses. In fact, it scared me."
McMillan had a blood alcohol reading of 210 mg/ml, more than twice the legal limit. Judge Nancy Orr called that an "aggravating factor" in handing down the sentence.
"Your prior accomplishments, however, are to your credit," she said.
In addition to the fine and jail time, McMillan is prohibited from driving for one year.
'Regrets his decision'
Crown prosecutor Jeff MacDonald told court McMillan was stopped by Charlottetown police coming from the airport around 1:30 a.m. the night he was arrested. Police had observed McMillan's car swerving in its lane, and officers said his speech was slurred.
The college president had just completed 30 hours of travel the night of the incident, McMillan's lawyer Gordon MacKay said, adding McMillan had consumed alcohol during the flight but chose to drive home rather than take a taxi.
"My client regrets his decision," said MacKay. "He has suffered a considerable degree of public opprobrium already."
McMillan voluntarily left his position and is receiving counselling, according to a written statement that has been issued by the board of governors of the college. The board has said it "looks forward to his return."
Provincial education officials were present in the court room as sentence was passed, as were members of McMillan's family.
He chose to serve the seven day sentence all at once, rather than on weekends.