MEDICINE HAT, Alta. - The mayor of a city in southeastern Alberta has been banned from driving for one year after pleading guilty to impaired driving.

Ted Clugston entered his plea today in Medicine Hat provincial court.

He was also fined $1,000.

Court heard police observed a vehicle drifting between lanes and said Clugston exhibited signs of impairment, such as glossy eyes, a red face, and slow speech after he was pulled over on Feb. 13.

Earlier this week, Clugston's lawyer entered a not guilty plea in court, but a few hours later, the mayor sent out a statement saying he changed his mind against the advice of his lawyer.

Clugston apologized in his statement, saying he "exercised very poor judgment'' and had to take responsibility for his actions.

The mayor also said his lawyer told him he had a good chance of being acquitted, but Clugston said he wanted to save his family and city from the humiliation of a trial.

"I will take time to reflect and learn from this in the coming months and years. Hopefully some good can come of this. Since this incident occurred I have continued to work and attend all public events and functions where possible and I intend to continue to do so."

(CJCY, The Canadian Press)

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Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston Banned From Driving For One Year