Princeton High School A former Princeton woman has been given a suspended sentence after she drove her car into a group of youths who were shouting a sexist slur at her daughter. Tara Woodin, 41, appeared in Penticton District Court on Tuesday to answer to events that took place on September 25, 2020. The court heard from Crown prosecutor Kurt Froehlich that on that date, Woodin was driving her truck to Princeton Secondary School to pick up her daughter when a group of youths on the side of the road made “vulgar comments” about her daughter , including calling her a sexist slur. Woodin continued driving and picked up her daughter, then went home. On the way, he saw the same group of children on the side of the road, still in the 30 km/h school zone. She was driving her truck at “moderate speed” to “very close to the group” and stopped abruptly, causing several of the youths to jump back in reaction. A verbal and physical altercation ensued involving the group, Woodin and her daughter. The assault charges were stayed by the Crown as part of the plea deal. Froehlich noted that Woodin has no criminal history. Woodin’s attorney, Nelson Selamaj, argued for six months of probation, noting that Wooden had a history of verbal and emotional abuse, meaning her daughter’s treatment touched a nerve. There were also some “present” incidents in the past at school with her daughter. Woodin has since moved away from Princeton and told the court that “accidents do happen” and that she is remorseful and wants to put the matter behind her. “It was not an accident, it was deliberately driving your vehicle that way,” the judge warned, but agreed with the defense’s position that six months’ probation was sufficient and accepted Woodin’s remorse. If, after six months, he has complied with all the requirements of the probationary period, he will have no criminal record. Woodin will also have to complete 30 hours of community service.
