A 16-year-old male who pleaded guilty to attempting to pass unsafely and operating a motor vehicle without proper registration that resulted in a fatal collision last November has been sentenced to a $500 fine and a 14-day licence suspension.
On July 23, Crown and defence counsel offered different sentencing options regarding the licence suspension, with the Crown believing 45 days would be sufficient, compared to counsel who wanted seven.
Judge Alicia Wendal had agreed to the $500 fine but chose to assign a 14-day licence suspension as a way to emphasize that driving is a privilege, not a right. As well as using the case as a reminder to people that their lives can change in an instant when they slide into the driver's seat.
The incident in question took place on Nov. 13, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Highway 44 just outside of Busby.
The RCMP reported the 16-year-old male had been travelling southbound when he attempted to pass five to six vehicles on the single-lane highway. The female passengers were travelling northbound when they were struck by the vehicle.
The 49-year-old driver was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The 79-year-old passenger was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver has undergone numerous surgeries and, in her victim impact statement, said that she has ongoing chronic pain that has inhibited her ability to do daily tasks.
The male turned his driver's licence into the Master Clerk upon adjournment of his sentencing hearing. He will be eligible to retrieve it within 14 days.
