An Edmonton cop who hit the ditch twice while driving drunk on Anthony Henday Drive has pleaded guilty to impaired driving over 0.8mg% and received the minimum $1000 fine and a one year driving ban.

Back in March Const. Natasha Green was charged with impaired operation, impaired operation over 0.80mg% and failing to stop after an accident after a witness reported to police that she struck a guardrail, a pole and a chain and then left the scene. No one was injured in the accident. 

According to the agreed statement of facts Green hit the ditch on the right side of the Henday with her 2015 GMC Sierra near 111 Avenue. She hit a light standard, knocking it over. She then crossed all northbound lanes and ended up in the centre ditch, hitting the barrier, before fleeing the scene. 

Green was eventually found by police at Trumpeter Way where she was found sitting on her tailgate. 

“There was substantial damage to the front end and driver’s side of the truck,” the agreed facts state.

“Upon speaking with Green, the police officer detected a strong odour of liquor on [her] breath when she spoke, amongst other signs of impairment including glossy and unfocused eyes, and was unsteady on her feet.”

At the northwest division police station Green blew an .180 mg%, more than twice the legal limit. 

Zach Elias, a criminal defence attorney who works in Edmonton, was present in the courtroom when the joint submission was submitted to the judge.

“$1000 is low. This is not typical of impaired driving resolutions. It is more lenient given the aggravating circumstances which are the high readings, the single vehicle car accident and then fleeing the scene,” said Elias. 

Operating a vehicle over .08 mg% carries a minimum fine of $1,000.

According to Jonny Wakefield at the Edmonton Journal prosecutor Robert Marquette sought a fine of $1,500 to $2,000, while defence lawyer Mike Danyluik suggested the minimum fine of $1,000.

“I wish we treated all offenders with the same deference we treat EPS offenders. Police officers are endowed with so much power and responsibility they shouldn’t get getting less of a sentence compared to someone who doesn’t have that power and authority,” said Elias 

Green is a ten year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service. 

Now that the court proceedings are completed an internal Police Service Regulation investigation will take place. According to the Journal, Green has been placed in a non-operational role.