Terry Lynn Brandon

Melissa Miller pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death under the Highway Traffic Act after texting while driving, resulting in the death of a cyclist.

The court considered significant mitigating factors, including her remorse, lack of criminal record, community involvement, and immediate assistance at the scene, alongside aggravating factors such as a prior HTA offence, texting in a construction zone, and the vulnerability of the cyclist.

The Crown sought the maximum sentence (2 years jail, 5 years license suspension, 2 years probation), while the Defence urged a non-custodial sentence.

The court emphasized proportionality, denunciation, and general deterrence, distinguishing between regulatory and criminal offence sentencing principles.

The final sentence imposed was 45 days jail and a 2-year driver's license suspension, with no probation.

The accused pleaded guilty to robbery committed on February 1st, wherein she entered a bank wearing a disguise, presented a note demanding money, threatened to shoot, and obtained cash before being arrested hours later.

The court imposed a joint submission sentence of two and a half years imprisonment less time served (120 days), finding the submission within the appropriate range of two to three years.

The court considered mitigating factors including early guilty plea, cooperation with police, and recognition of victim impact, balanced against aggravating factors including the threat of violence and prior record for violence.

A concurrent 30-day sentence was imposed for breach of probation, a lifetime firearms prohibition was ordered under section 109 of the Criminal Code, and a DNA order was made as the offence is a primary DNA offence.

The court considered an application for a publication ban following the guilty plea of David Cake to obstructing justice.

The applicant Anthony George, charged separately in connection with the same incident, sought a complete publication ban to protect his right to a fair trial.

The Crown supported a limited ban, while media intervenors opposed any restrictions.

The court granted a partial, temporary publication ban, permitting publication of certain facts regarding Cake's plea and conduct while restricting publication of evidence concerning the cause of death and any references to George or co-accused Mielke.

The court considered the Dagenais test, the importance of open court principles, and systemic discrimination affecting aboriginal accused persons.

Two accused were jointly charged with multiple drug trafficking and firearms offences following a police traffic stop and brief pursuit.

Controlled substances were discovered in plain view on the centre console of the vehicle, and a civilian witness observed the passenger discard a plastic bag containing a handgun nearby.

The court held that both accused had joint knowledge and control of the drugs and were guilty of possession and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The driver was convicted of fleeing police and dangerous driving but acquitted of the joint firearm offences due to reasonable doubt regarding knowledge of the firearm.

The passenger was found guilty of all firearm-related offences and possession while prohibited.