Things went from bad to worse for an international student after city police officers spotted him driving erratically along a west-end street in the early morning hours.
Alen George was travelling along Korah Road at a high rate of speed at 3 a.m. on Sept. 9, 2022, a judge heard last week.
He pulled into a driveway, then drove back onto the street, forcing the officer behind the wheel of a cruiser to slam on his brakes.
When the cops stopped his vehicle, they noted a heavy smell of alcohol on George's breath, assistant Crown attorney Simran Singh said.
His eyes were bloodshot, he was unsteady on his feet and he admitted he had been drinking.
George, 24, pleaded guilty to impaired driving.
His lawyer Tahir Cheema and the Crown jointly recommended a $2,000 fine and a 12-month driving prohibition.
"He went out that night and admits he got carried away," the defence said.
George is here as a student and has been in Canada without his parents for five years, Cheema told Ontario Court Justice John Condon.
As a consequence of his actions, he has lost his delivery job and his car, and is living with friends.
Before this happened, George "was barely hanging on."
Now, his immigration status also is being questioned, Cheema said.
"He's learned the hard way that impaired driving is an offence."
The defence asked Condon not to impose a victim surcharge because of his client's financial situation.
"I'm sorry about what happened," George said.
Noting the young man has experienced "several consequences," Condon gave him 18 months to pay the fine and opted to waive the 30-per-cent surcharge.
George also is banned from driving for a year.
"Don't be tempted to drive," the judge warned. "You will worsen your situation if you drive while prohibited."