Impaired driving trial starts for suspended Fredericton police officer

A man who helped a Fredericton police officer with his motorcycle after a single-vehicle accident in August 2015 testified Wednesday he didn't smell any alcohol on the driver.

Matt Richard was testifying on the first day of the impaired driving trial of Const. Darrell Ian Brewer of the Fredericton Police Force. Brewer has been suspended with pay since the time of the incident.

Richard said he did not notice any alcohol at the scene and believed Brewer to be "a little confused" and thought he might have a concussion.

Richard made a telephone call to 911 to report the accident near the intersection of Union and Gibson Streets on the north side of the city.

In the 911 call played for the court, Richard said, "This guy has passed out. He's had an accident on the motorbike. He said he's allright, but he just passed out."

Under cross-examination by defence lawyer T.J. Burke, Richard said he couldn't tell if Brewer lay down on the ground or if he fell.

Richard also said he never called the police to report a drunk driver. Richard said he thoughtBrewer was demonstrating signs of a concussion.

When police officers investigating the accident asked Richard whether Brewer was intoxicated, Richard told themhe wasn't close enough to tell, he testified.

Richard said he couldn't identify Brewer in court.

Richard also testified he saw Brewer leaving the area of the accident by walking toward Henry Street through a vacant lot.

At the outset of the trial, Burke alleged the Fredericton police tracked Brewer after he left the accident scene by going through Bell Aliant to track him by his cell phone.

Burke contends police should not have been able to do that without a judicial order.

Brewer was not located by police until 90 minutes after the accident.

Judge Brian McLean is presiding over the trial.