Former Nova Scotia politician Trevor Zinck guilty in drunk driving case

HALIFAX – A former Nova Scotia politician has been found guilty of driving over the legal limit.

Judge Frank Hoskins of provincial court fined Trevor Zinck $1,000 and prohibited from driving for one year effective immediately.

Zinck testified last month that after drinking at a bowling alley, he initially got in the driver’s seat and began driving, but he quickly switched places and allowed a friend to take the wheel.

The Crown argued that Zinck’s testimony was sufficient on its own to convict him, saying his argument was a “red herring” if the judge accepted that he drove his vehicle and there were two positive breathalyzer tests taken within two hours.

The trial heard testimony from an employee of Beazley Bowling Lanes who told the court in Dartmouth that Zinck and a friend drank 26 beers between them on Oct. 2, 2013, before leaving in a vehicle.

Zinck disputed that while on the stand, saying he and his friend consumed about six beers each.

He also faced an impaired driving charge, but that was stayed.

Zinck was a former NDP and Independent member who represented the riding of Dartmouth North from June 2006 until June 2013.

(The Canadian Press)