Well known Canadian investor Michael Wekerle has had his impaired driving charges withdrawn by the Crown in an incident where his vehicle was allegedly found in a Caledon ditch.
‘Steadfast’: Former Dragon Den investor has impaired driving charges withdrawn after vehicle found in ditch
Two years after Wekerle’s vehicle was found in a ditch by the OPP, the merchant banker had his impaired charges dropped by the Crown at Orangville court.
Well known Canadian investor Michael Wekerle has had his impaired driving charges withdrawn by the Crown in an incident where his vehicle was allegedly found in a Caledon ditch.
A former Dragons Den investor has been convicted of Highway Traffic Act charges after impaired charges were withdrawn by the Crown.
Michael Wekerle, 61, a merchant banker, was charged on Jan. 17, 2023 at 2:59 p.m. after the OPP responded to reports of a vehicle losing control and going into a ditch on King Street, near Creditview Road, in Caledon.
Wekerle was charged with impaired driving and having a blood alcohol count of over 80.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
It was reported that Caledon’s Wekerle had minor injuries as a result of the crash. His car was impounded and license suspended for 90 days, according to a police media release.
He was found guilty of careless driving, fined $2,500 and sentenced to 12-months probation.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The Ministry of the Attorney General did not comment on why the impaired charges were withdrawn.
This incident is just one of a series that have resulted in Wekerle’s name hitting the headlines:
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
He was sued for an alleged drunken episode in an Arkansas hotel in 2010.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
In 2014, his Porsche 918 Spyder caught fire at a Caledon gas station when gasoline reportedly overflowed and then ignited on the vehicle’s exhaust according to CBC. He told the news organization he’d paid $900,000 for the vehicle, which was totalled.
Most recently, in April, the famous bar the El Mocambo, which Wekerle purchased years ago went back on the market after Wekerle allegedly failed to pay back $56 million in loans according to the Toronto Star. The venue has stood on Spadina for 77 years.
Wekerle’s lawyer Michael Forte said he spoke to his client and the pair are happy with the results.
“We think the matter was correctly decided with a plea to careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act and not by way of criminal conviction,” he said.Â
Today's Headlines Newsletter
Get our free morning newsletter
Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Today's Headlines Newsletter
You're signed up! You'll start getting Today's Headlines in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Jeremy Grimaldi is Metroland’s courts, crime and justice
reporter.
Your gift purchase was successful!Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. You will also start receiving our free morning newsletter soon.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation