Father Acquitted After Restraining Daughter From Drunk Driver

UPDATE: A father in Fort St. John, B.C., has been acquitted of assault after intervening to prevent his daughter from potentially riding with a drunk driver. The provincial court ruling was delivered on August 20, 2024, following a tense three-day trial in June that captivated the local community.

On May 18, 2024, the father was busy organizing the branding and inoculation of 200 cattle and 200 calves on a rural ranch. During this time, he provided food and beverages, including beer, to family and neighbors assisting him. Tensions flared when his daughter repeatedly insisted on going out with an older friend who had been drinking heavily that day.

The father’s refusal led to several heated arguments, one of which was recorded on a cell phone. After most helpers left, the father attempted to physically restrain his daughter, fearing for her safety. Judge Darin Reeves stated that the father was understandably annoyed and upset, applying force to raise his daughter to her feet and seat her in his truck against her will.

Reeves emphasized that the father acted out of genuine concern, stating, “This force was applied, however, for corrective purposes.” He explained that the father was worried his daughter would continue to seek a ride with an intoxicated driver, thus putting her life at risk. The judge found it entirely reasonable for the father to feel disrespected by his daughter’s actions and the situation’s escalation.

In a critical moment, the father threatened to report the friend to the police for impaired driving if she took his daughter to the town where her mother lived. Ultimately, the friend instead took the daughter home, where she was later picked up by a sober driver.

Throughout the trial, the daughter’s testimony varied significantly, while the father’s defense was deemed plausible by the judge. Reeves concluded, “In all circumstances, [the father] used reasonable force intended to restrain, control or express disapproval of his daughter’s behavior.” He confirmed that the father did not strike, kick, or threaten his daughter with any object.

This ruling raises important questions about parental intervention and the responsibilities of guardians in safeguarding their children from potential harm. As this story develops, it may spark discussions about the balance between parental authority and a child’s autonomy.

WHAT’S NEXT: The identities of the father and daughter remain protected under a publication ban, but the implications of this case could resonate widely within communities grappling with similar issues. Stay tuned for more updates on this compelling story.