An Ottawa police officer wants to move past the night he slammed his car into a pole, a taxi and almost a pedestrian, in a move that saw him demoted on Tuesday.

Sgt. Christopher McGuinness pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act and on Tuesday was sentenced for the March 18, 2010 crashes on his way home from a St. Patrick’s Day event.

McGuinness was demoted from sergeant to first class constable for eight months.

He faces a loss of about $7,000 in pay for the demotion, which will see him move away from supervisory duties.

“He wants to put this behind him,” said Ottawa Police Association president Matt Skof, outside the proceeding on Tuesday. “Chris is making the most of a very serious situation.”

According to an agreed statement of facts, McGuinness had been drinking beers with a friend at the St. Louis Bar and Grill on March 17, 2010, about an hour before he crashed his 2001 Honda into a hydro pole along Montreal Rd., nearly colliding with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian tried to check on McGuinness but he reversed and sped away, nearly clipping another car before rear-ending a taxi along the Vanier Parkway.

But McGuinness kept going, onto Hwy. 417, where he drove “at a high rate of speed” before exiting and continuing to Henderson Ave., where he parked and walked away. He was arrested two months later, after DNA analysis from hair embedded in the shattered windshield and a photo lineup identified him as the driver. He had also left his wallet behind.

The fact McGuinness was a senior officer “disturbed” hearing officer Terence Kelly, who said Tuesday the veteran cop should have been setting an example for subordinates. While Kelly said no evidence was presented that his driving ability was impaired, it was clear McGuinness had been drinking beforehand.

“More than anyone, police officers are witness to the devastation and carnage caused by drinking and driving,” said Kelly, who acknowledged McGuinness’s otherwise “excellent record.”

“This type of behaviour will have a serious impact on the credibility of the many drinking and driving programs, which are directed at the public in general.”

Skof said McGuinness is using his experience to help mentor other officers and is anxious to move forward.

“One bad day shouldn’t wipe out a tremendous career,” said Skof.

In October, McGuinness received a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. He also received a year probation for not reporting the accident under the Highway Traffic Act and lost his driver’s licence for a year, which saw him reassigned to administrative duties.

danielle.bell@sunmedia.ca

@ottawasundbell