RCMP Corporal Benjamin "Monty" Robinson has been found guilty of obstructing justice in connection with a road accident that claimed the life of a young Tsawwassen motorcyclist.
Justice Janice Dillon handed down her decision in New Westminster Supreme Court this morning (March 23).
Robinson was off duty when his Jeep collided with 21-year-old Orion Hutchinson's motorcycle at the intersection of Sixth Ave. and Gilchrist Dr. in October, 2008.
Following the accident, Robinson gave his driver's licence to a bystander and left the scene to walk his two children home. Upon his return, he told police he had downed two shots of vodka at home to calm his nerves.
He was charged with one count of obstructing justice.
During Robinson's eight-day trial, which concluded Feb. 22, Justice Dillon heard evidence presented by Crown prosecutor Kris Pechet and defense lawyer David Crossin.
Pechet argued that, as an RCMP officer, Robinson had specialized training in blood-alcohol testing and knew how to avoid a drinking and driving charge. He argued that Robinson knew drinking vodka after the accident would make it difficult to determine his blood-alcohol level at the time of driving.
Crossin argued that Robinson was an alcoholic at the time of the crash and his actions following the incident were typical of someone with an addiction.
Scheduling for sentencing is set for April.
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