Nickelback's Chad Kroeger convicted of drunk driving

The singer for B.C.-based power-rockers Nickelback was convicted of drunk driving in a Surrey court today.

Chad Kroeger, whose band has sold almost 25 million albums worldwide and won numerous awards, was found to have nearly double the legal limit of alcohol in his blood when he was pulled over for speeding in June 2006.

The musician, who lives in British Columbia, didn't appear in court during his fragmented trial, which was heard in Surrey in November and January.

And while Kroeger was absent again today, Provincial Court Judge Peder Gulbransen said he wants him to turn up for his sentencing, scheduled for May 1.

Kroeger's lawyer Marvin Stern said his client is in Europe, recording or producing music. "I'm not exactly sure (which)," he said.

Crown prosecutor Michelle Wray said she'll ask the court to impose a $600 fine and one-year driving prohibition.

"I think that it's appropriate that he appear (for sentencing)," she added.

Surrey RCMP stopped the Alberta-born rocker in the wee hours of June 22, 2006, after watching him blow down a Surrey street at an estimated speed of 160 km/h in his $175,000 Lamborghini.

Via canada.com