Driving ban for Nickelback frontman after DUI arrest
Friday, 02 May 2008 10:39
Chad Kroeger handed one-year driving ban after drink-driving arrest
Nickelback lead singer Chad Kroeger has been handed a one-year driving ban after being arrested for drink-driving.
The Canadian singer was stopped in June 2006 by police in Surrey, Canada, after his Lamborghini was tracked at 160km (100mph) per hour.
The 33-year-old's blood alcohol level at the time was found to be nearly twice the legal limit and he was banned from driving for 12 months at a hearing in Vancouver on Thursday.
Kroeger was also fined C$600 (£298).
Leaving the courthouse, Kroeger told reporters he does not condone drink-driving and added: "Everyone makes mistakes."
However, the singer's defence team have confirmed they plan to appeal the conviction on the grounds that Surrey police had taken a breath test unlawfully when they arrested Kroeger.
Speaking to the Vancouver Sun newspaper, Kroeger's lawyer said the breath sample should not have been admissible as evidence to the way in which it was obtained.
"The judge agreed with us that the sample was taken in contravention of section eight of the Charter of Rights, but he disagreed with us as to what he was prepared to do in response to that breach," he explained.
"That's the crux of the appeal.
"We respect the decision of the court, but disagree with it on the Charter of Rights application."
Kroeger's band Nickelback have been a fixture in the UK album charts of late, with All The Right Reasons seeing a resurgence in sales after the success of lead single Rockstar.