5-time impaired driver on bail after Brampton crash should be 'behind bars,' police say

A man arrested for impaired driving after a four-vehicle collision in Brampton, Ont., over the weekend is a repeat offender who has since been released on bail, Peel police say.

The collision happened Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 50 and Coleraine Drive. Multiple injuries were reported, including a 21-year-old man who remains in "unstable, critical condition and is anticipated to have long-term life-altering injuries," police said in a Thursday news release.

A 58-year-old Mississauga man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with multiple offences, including impaired driving.

A judge released him on bail this week, police said, on condition the man — a five-time repeat offender already subject to three lifetime driving prohibitions — not drive.

Peel police Const. Tyler Bell said Thursday that he couldn't help but shake his head when he looked at the man's driving record.

"This individual has blatant disregard of any court orders, he obviously has a problem, and that problem is putting the public at risk," Bell told CBC Toronto. "The only safe place for the members of the community is behind bars right now." 

Under the law, a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty. Granting them bail means they can remain out of jail, often with specific conditions, while their case moves through the justice system — a process that can take many months.

Several provincial governments and police associations have been calling upon the federal government to re-examine and revise the bail system. Advocates have pointed out the vast majority of people in Ontario jails have been denied bail and are awaiting trial. 

Peel paramedics said two other people were taken to hospital with injuries after the crash.

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for information.