A judge in Saskatoon expressed grave concern over a bus driver who drove a charter bus with 52 children onboard while under the influence of alcohol and painkillers, deeming it an extremely dangerous situation. Despite the Crown’s recommendation for a community-based sentence, Judge Brad Mitchell deemed the risk posed by the driver, Richard Arthur Potratz, as so severe that a jail sentence was necessary. Potratz was sentenced in Saskatoon provincial court and taken into custody on Monday.
The incident occurred on March 14, 2025, when the 71-year-old Potratz was operating a Prince Albert Northern Bus Lines charter bus with 52 school children and two teachers returning from a ski trip to Table Mountain. Potratz’s erratic driving, including drifting in and out of lanes and driving on the shoulder, caused distress among the passengers until one teacher managed to persuade him to stop. Upon police arrival, Potratz had been replaced by another driver, and he was found unconscious in a separate vehicle.
Potratz’s blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit, and he was also taking fentanyl and hydromorphone for severe back pain. Judge Mitchell condemned Potratz’s decision to drink and drive in such circumstances as shockingly reckless, stating it was essentially drinking for the purpose of driving.
Following the incident, Potratz was dismissed from his employment at Prince Albert Northern Bus Lines. During his sentencing hearing, he expressed remorse in a letter to Holliston Elementary School’s principal, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. Despite the Crown’s suggestion of a community-based sentence due to Potratz’s age and health issues, Judge Mitchell deemed a stronger message was necessary given the severity of the offense and the number of young passengers at risk.
Considering the aggravating factor of having 52 young passengers on board, Mitchell sentenced Potratz to six months in jail, followed by one year of probation with conditions, including 50 hours of community service, and a two-year driving prohibition.
