B.C. road rage death gets driver 5½ years in prison
A B.C. man with 64 traffic violations who hit and killed a man with his truck in a road rage incident was sentenced today to 5½ years in prison plus a 12-year driving ban that's to begin on his release.
Brent Parent, 43, in January was found guilty of three charges, including criminal negligence causing death, failing to remain at the scene of the crime and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle for the 2008 incident that killed Silas O’Brien, 21.
O'Brien was hit by a vehicle around 2 a.m. PT on a rural road in Langley, east of Vancouver. During the trial, O'Brien's friends testified they were first run off the road by another vehicle, which then returned and ran down O'Brien as he stood in the road.
Thursday's sentence was handed down in New Westminster Supreme Court by Justice Terence Schultes, who noted during the fatal incident Parent engaged multiple times in deliberate high-risk behaviour.
Outside the court Parent's father Roger said the sentence was appropriate and he hoped it sent a strong message that would deter others from engaging in reckless driving.
At the sentencing hearing last month, Parent’s lawyer, Vincent Michaels, suggested his client be sentenced to no more than four years, while the Crown called for an eight-year term.
Crown prosecutor Donna Ballyk pointed out to Justice Terence Schultes that Parent had accumulated 64 traffic violations over 25 years.
In their impact statements, O’Brien’s parents told the court they felt like their hopes, dreams and happiness died with their son. The O’Brien family has filed a lawsuit against Parent.
