C. Watkins

The accused, Monica Spence and Daniel Debassige, were sentenced for their roles in the beating death of the victim.

Following a trial, Debassige was found guilty of second-degree murder, and Spence was found guilty of manslaughter due to intoxication and provocation after the victim sexually assaulted her.

Applying Gladue principles and considering pre-sentence reports, the court sentenced Spence to five years (with credit for pre-sentence custody, leaving 703 days) followed by three years of probation.

Debassige received a mandatory life sentence with no parole eligibility for 10 years, in accordance with a joint submission.

The offender was convicted of sexual interference against his stepdaughter, with offences occurring when she was between 8 and 12 years old.

The Crown sought a penitentiary sentence of six to eight years, while the defence proposed three to four years.

Emphasizing denunciation, deterrence, and the profound impact on the victim, the court sentenced the offender to six years' imprisonment, less credit for pre-sentence custody, along with mandatory and discretionary ancillary orders.

The defendants brought a motion for summary judgment dismissing a personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle collision on the basis that the plaintiff was operating an uninsured vehicle.

The defendants relied on s. 267.6(1) of the Insurance Act and evidence indicating the vehicle was not insured and not properly registered to the plaintiff.

The plaintiff argued that his proof of insurance was destroyed in a post‑collision fire and that his memory loss prevented him from identifying his insurer.

The court held the defendants established a prima facie case that the plaintiff was uninsured and that the plaintiff failed to produce evidence capable of showing a genuine issue for trial.

As a result, the statutory bar against recovery applied and the claim was dismissed on summary judgment.