The defendant, Gurjeet Buttar, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death under the Highway Traffic Act following a multi-vehicle collision.
The Crown and Defense proposed a joint submission for a $4,000 fine and a one-year license suspension.
The court rejected this joint submission, finding it insufficient given the gravity of the offense and the catastrophic consequences.
The judge emphasized the paramountcy of deterrence and denunciation, the higher standard of care for commercial truck drivers, and a broad interpretation of "vulnerable person" under HTA §130(6).
The court imposed a sentence of 50 days intermittent custody, 18 months reporting probation, and a three-year driving license suspension, with no fine.
