Caitlyn Downing

The accused was charged with mischief under section 430(4) of the Criminal Code for wilfully damaging an exterior door at his ex-wife's residence on November 10, 2017.

The accused attended early for a scheduled child custody exchange and, after being refused early pickup, allegedly kicked and banged on the door.

The Crown's case relied primarily on the complainant's testimony that the accused caused damage through persistent kicking.

The court found that while the accused's conduct was boorish and persistent, the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he wilfully or recklessly caused the damage.

The accused was acquitted.

This is a sentencing decision for Martial Laverdure, who was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.

The court considered the offender's mental health issues, Indigenous background (applying Gladue principles), lack of significant criminal record, and the circumstances of the offence, which involved excessive speed and striking multiple pedestrians, resulting in one fatality.

Victim impact statements were also considered.

The Crown sought 2.5 years imprisonment and a 5-year driving prohibition, while the defence sought 9 months imprisonment, probation, and a 3-year driving suspension.

The court imposed a sentence of 22 months imprisonment, one year probation, a 10-year weapons prohibition, and a 5-year driving prohibition.

The accused was charged with dangerous driving causing death after striking and fatally injuring a pedestrian following a hockey game.

The court heard evidence from civilian and police witnesses, including accident reconstruction experts.

The judge found that the accused was driving at a high rate of speed (estimated 60 km/h) in an area with significant pedestrian traffic, which constituted a marked departure from the standard of care expected of a reasonable person.

The accused was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.