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Campbell River man pleads guilty to 39th driving offence

Of his 39 convictions, 16 are for speeding, 13 for driving without a licence, four for no insurance and two for impaired driving

William George enjoys driving.

Problem is, he never has a licence.

It’s an issue that’s been going on for 20 years with the Campbell River man racking up 39 driving-related offences – an average of two a year, noted Crown prosecutor Bruce Goddard.

George appeared in Campbell River provincial court Monday and pleaded guilty to driving while prohibited in Port McNeill.

Surprisingly, it’s the first time George has had that particular offence on his record.

Of his 39 convictions, 16 are for speeding, 13 for driving without a licence, four for no insurance and two for impaired driving.

Goddard wanted Judge Brian Saunderson to impose a 10-year driving ban on George, and to consider either jail time or a fine of up to $1,000.

The prosecutor added there were no mitigating circumstances in the case and, “the aggravating circumstances, of course, are this huge record.”

But the Crown’s position puzzled defence lawyer Paul Corbett who interrupted the sentencing hearing. George’s case was waived from Port Hardy provincial court to Campbell River and Corbett had apparently arranged a deal with another prosecutor.

“As I understand it, it was a $500 fine and a one-year driving prohibition?” Corbett asked.

Goddard simply shook his head “no” and so the sentencing hearing was adjourned to Monday.