Edmonton police officer Brian Toner was sentenced in court Friday after he was convicted last May of drinking and driving.

Provincial Court Judge Peter Johnston handed down a conditional discharge with an 18-month probation, where Toner must abstain from alcohol, remain on good behaviour, provide a breath sample any time requested by a peace officer, and he will report to a probation officer.

The officer will also take treatment as advised by the probation officer, perform 30 hours of community service and cannot be in bars when off-duty.

Toner will have no criminal record as long as he follows his conditions and will not be able to drive for one year. But, In three months the constable can apply for an engine interlock system so he can drive.

The judge told the court, "I'm quite satisfied that Brian Toner is on the road to success."

Earlier Friday, Toner's lawyer argued that his alcoholism played a key role in his actions. Toner testified that he had been a heavy drinker since he was 20.

In 1990, he was attacked by a knife-welding man who he was forced to shoot and kill. Toner testified that incident put him over the edge and he took addictions treatment in 2000 and stayed sober for three years.

"Alcohol is very baffling and I convinced myself that I could become a social drinker in 2004," said Toner. "In six months, it spun out of control." 

The Crown attempted to downplay the extent of the constable's alcoholism and suggested the treatment was voluntarily taken to save the constable's job.

On Feb. 24, 2006, Toner was finished his shift and having drinks with his fellow colleges inside the west division police station.

The staff sergeant came in and noticed Toner's demeanor was unsteady, and the senior officer ordered a young constable to take him home.

But Toner reportedly did not wait to be driven home and the constable could not locate the man.

Toner was later found blocks away, sitting behind the wheel of his car, asleep, and the car was parked and running.

The friend who found him loaded him into the back of a cruiser.

Toner was placed in a holding cell back at the west division police station, and later charged.

The constable has been with the police service for 27 years.