SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A 27-year-old man who pleaded guilty to impaired driving and refusing a breathalyzer was sentenced to one day in jail, a $1,000 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.

Daniel James Reid, an Alberta man, was pulled over at 4 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Yellowknife after he was spotted drinking a bottle of beer and swerving.

Crown prosecutor Jill Andrews said he reportedly told the arresting officer he "had a few beers at lunch in Peace River (Alta.)."

After police put Reid in the back of a police cruiser, the accused pretended to be asleep, Andrews said. Hospital staff later determined he was faking it, she said.

"He was completely unco-operative through the entire process," said Andrews.

Reid told the court his employer requires him to drive.

"I accept the fact that what I did was wrong," said Reid. "But the thing is, I have a wife, kids, house and without a licence, it looks like I have no job."

Deputy judge Michel Bourassa replied, "You're not a master criminal. You're not a bad guy, but people die from drunk drivers every day."

"I understand," Reid said. "I lost some friends."

The Crown said Reid had a previous drunk driving conviction from eight years ago. Since it was more than five years ago the court considers Reid a first-time offender. Bourassa warned Reid that further convictions would result in jail time.

"Don't drive, you're prohibited. Swallow your medicine. Learn your lesson. Stop drinking like that," he said in closing.

No plea from man accused of assault

The man accused of assault in relation to the beating that left 28-year-old Derrick Sangris unconscious outside of Corner Mart on Sept. 11 has yet to make a plea.

Ernest Goulet is facing a charge of aggravated assault. His lawyer made an appearance on his behalf Nov. 24.

Goulet is scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 1.

After the early-morning incident, Sangris was medevaced to Edmonton, where he remained unresponsive for several days.

Goulet turned himself in to police on Sept. 22.

Couple in court for grow-op charges

A couple facing two drug-related charges each appeared in territorial court Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23 and 25, for a preliminary inquiry. The husband and wife are charged with possessing marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and production of a substance.

The evidence presented during the hearing was protected under a publication ban.

Police say 20 marijuana plants were seized from their residence in Northland Trailer Court on Feb. 19.