BRAMPTON, Ont. -- Former Toronto Maple Leaf hockey player Paul Higgins was sentenced in County Court Wednesday to 60 days in jail for dangerous driving and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The court was told Higgins became involved in a confrontation after a misunderstanding over another man's former girlfriend. Higgins, the court was told, tried to run down the man with his car.
Witnesses testified they were awakened April 15, 1983 by screams and screeching tires at the corner of Havenwood and Williamsport in Mississauga, Ont.
One witness testified he saw Higgins, 22, attempting to run down 41-year-old William McLennan three times with his car. According to the evidence, Higgins struck McLennan once, but McLennan did not seek medical attention.
Higgins sped off but came back later and took a hockey stick out of his car. Police broke up the pair before a confrontation started.
County Court Judge Martin Morrissey said 'there was no doubt McLennan was in an agressive mood and did invite Higgins to come out and fight. Unfortunately (Higgins) did not break off that contact until late in the activity.'
Judge Morrissey recommended an immediate temporary absence program allowing Higgins to go to work and serve his time.
Higgins' principal duties with the Leafs were to act as a muscleman and try to intimidate opposing players. Last summer, he asked to be released from the team to pursue his own contract elsewhere. He had a brief tour in the minors last season.
In 25 games with the Maple Leafs during the 1981-82 and '82-83 seasons, Higgins scored no goals, no assists and recorded 152 minutes in penalties.
Higgins had his drivers license suspended for three years for racing last April in a separate incident. He was also sentenced to 90 days in jail in June, 1981 for assault causing bodily harm.
