The lawyer for a First Nations chief says he hopes by hitting rock bottom, his client will get the help he needs to overcome his addiction to alcohol.
On Monday, Red Pheasant First Nation Chief Stewart Cody Baptiste received a four-month conditional sentence, six months probation and a $50 surcharge for violating a probation not to drink.
The charges and sentencing relate to an Oct. 27 incident when Baptiste was seen drinking in a bar and later found showing apparent signs of alcohol consumption.
Stuart Busse, Baptiste’s lawyer, told a North Battleford courtroom that he hopes the sentence will encourage his client to get the help he needs to stop drinking.
The Crown had been arguing for 30 to 50 days in jail, but Judge David Kaiser decided on a more lenient sentence.
However, Kaiser did warn Baptiste that he could face jail time if he comes to court again.
As part of his sentence, Baptiste is required to seek outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse and he says he plans to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Biggar.