The accident happened on August 4 around 9 pm. on Highway 50 near Countryside Drive in Brampton, Ont.
At the time, police said a sports car and an SUV collided, killing a 47-year-old woman, a 12-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy.
During the trial, the court heard that the driver of the sports car – identified as Paul Manzon – was traveling twice the speed limit when he crossed the junction.
In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Manzon will also be subject to a seven-year driving ban after his release.
In her remarks, Judge Nancy Dennison said, “the lives lost are worth far more than any criminal sentence can explain.”
There were 85 witness statements that led to the sentencing decision. It also took into account Manzon’s background and circumstances, and said it reached a decision that “a long prison sentence is warranted”.
Denison explained that Manzon has shown remorse and that he is his dad’s caregiver. The High Court judge said Manzon had a criminal record for drug possession dating back to 1991 and two impaired driving convictions for which he received fines, but no convictions for Highway Traffic Act offences.
The Crown had asked for 10 to 12 years in prison with a five-year driving ban, and the defense wanted a five-year term with a 10-year driving ban.
“I hope (the family) understands why I imposed the sentence I did,” Dennison said. “The sentence is not intended to crush Mr. Manzon.”
He described the consequences of his actions as “catastrophic”, adding that we will never know what the two children killed in the crash would have done with their lives.
This is a developing story. More to come.
