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Peachland  

Drunk driver gets jail time

An alleged drunk driver who caused a serious accident south of Peachland in 2013 will spend time behind bars.

According to court documents, Tara Helena Hope Franks pleaded guilty to being behind the wheel when she caused a major accident on Highway 97 near Antlers Beach, south of Peachland, in November 2013.

At the time, witnesses told Castanet Franks' Chevy Uplander was travelling at a high rate of speed and passing unsafely, moments before the crash.

Her vehicle apparently crossed the centre line, smashing into an oncoming Toyota Corolla.

The Chevy then struck a telephone pole, dislodging it at its base. The three occupants of the Toyota suffered serious injuries and had to be extricated from the wreckage by rescue crews.

At the time, 40-year-old Franks was arrested for impaired driving despite her refusal to provide breath samples.

Earlier this year, she pleaded guilty to both operating a motor vehicle causing an accident and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

She has now been sentenced to 90 days in jail, followed by 18 months probation.

In addition to the jail sentence and probation, Franks received a 15-month driving prohibition and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge fee of $200.



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