Oshawa Man Receives Eight-Year Sentence Following Series of Drunk Driving Offenses
MADD Canada is calling on Crown prosecutors to apply long-term offender status to Ontario’s most dangerous impaired drivers following the sentencing of a repeat offender with a staggering history of violations.
Giuseppe Fazzina, 57, of Oshawa, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of impaired driving and three counts of driving while prohibited between 2020 and 2023. Fazzina, described as a “chronic recidivist” by the presiding judge, has accumulated 13 convictions for impaired driving—one involving bodily harm—along with 10 convictions for driving while disqualified.
According to MADD Canada’s legal director, Eric Dumschat, Fazzina is among the most severe cases of repeat impaired driving offenses in the country.
“One thing is clear—this is someone who has demonstrated a persistent disregard for the law and public safety,” said Dumschat. “We strongly urge Crown prosecutors to designate such individuals as long-term offenders when they meet the criteria.”
Fazzina’s most recent convictions stem from a series of encounters with law enforcement:
- April 2020 – Pulled over in Oshawa, exhibiting slurred speech and glassy eyes. Breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 170 mg/100 ml, more than twice the legal limit. At the time, he was already on parole.
- August 2021 – Spotted driving erratically, aggressively changing lanes and nearly causing an accident. Alcohol was detected in his system.
- January 2022 – Found asleep in a running vehicle at a McDonald’s parking lot in Oshawa. Breathalyzer reading registered 150 mg/100 ml.
- 2023 – Twice caught driving while banned, the final incident occurring in Whitby.
Despite multiple convictions, prohibitions, and time served, Fazzina continued to reoffend.
Justice Joseph Hanna handed down a sentence of 110 months and 20 days after factoring in pretrial custody credits. In addition, Fazzina was issued a DNA order and received his fourth lifetime driving prohibition.
“Given the seriousness of his conduct, his level of moral blameworthiness, and the ongoing danger he presents to the public, Fazzina must receive a strong message that continued offenses will result in increasingly severe sentences,” Justice Hanna stated.
Under Canadian law, an individual designated as a long-term offender may be subject to supervision orders for up to 10 years following their sentence, allowing Correctional Service Canada to enforce conditions that mitigate public risk.
MADD Canada argues that applying this status to habitual impaired drivers like Fazzina would enhance public safety by preventing chronic offenders from continuing to put lives at risk.
During sentencing, the court considered Fazzina’s personal and medical history, which includes psychiatric conditions related to PTSD and anxiety, as well as chronic pain from hip and sciatic nerve issues. His wife testified that he has often been unable to walk without assistance.
However, the court also noted his troublesome behavior while incarcerated, including conflicts with inmates and staff, as well as a suspected overdose in his jail cell on December 31, 2023, which required three doses of Narcan.
Despite letters of support attesting to his character, Justice Hanna determined that Fazzina had not shown a significant shift in attitude or behavior to suggest a lower risk of reoffending.
A spokesperson for Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General stated that the Crown would not be commenting further, as the case is currently under appeal.
MADD Canada continues to advocate for stricter penalties, monitoring, and preventative measures to address habitual impaired driving and ensure public safety.