Impaired driver who killed woman, critically injured sister, sentenced in Central Saanich crash
An impaired driver who struck two sisters, killing one and critically injuring the other, near Victoria in 2018, has been sentenced to three and a half years behind bars.
Anthony Leslie Jonathon Thomas was found guilty in March of six charges, including impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm. He was sentenced Wednesday to 42 months in prison and a five-year driving prohibition.
The Crown prosecution said Thomas, 26 years old at the time of the crash, had methamphetamine and Xanax in his system when he struck and killed 51-year-old Kim Ward while she was walking on the side of a road in Central Saanich, B.C.
The victim's 48-year-old sister, Tracy Ward, was also hit and was taken to hospital in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury.
The crash, which happened in the 7600-block of Central Saanich Road on Aug. 27, 2018, also killed Tracy's dog, while Thomas was treated in hospital for minor injuries.
Police said the Jeep Cherokee that Thomas was driving crossed into the oncoming lane before striking the sisters and the dog.
Thomas was convicted on March 28 of one count each of impaired driving causing death; impaired driving causing bodily harm; dangerous driving causing death; dangerous driving causing bodily harm; causing an accident resulting in death; and causing an accident resulting in bodily harm.
Kim Ward was walking with her sister along Central Saanich Road when a Jeep struck them from behind. Ward was pronounced dead at the scene. (Facebook)
In July, a B.C. judge awarded Tracy and her mother nearly $5.5 million in damages in a civil case against three defendants – Thomas, his family friend Aggatha Siah, and a Victoria auto dealership.
The Jeep that Thomas was driving at the time of the crash belonged to Harris Victoria Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ltd., which gave the vehicle to Siah while her financing to buy it was still pending.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Brenda Brown found that Thomas was ultimately liable for Tracy's injuries.
The judge concluded that Siah was not yet the legal owner of the Jeep, which still belonged to the dealership, making the dealership vicariously liable for the damages.
Harris Victoria argued that Siah was the owner of the Jeep or, alternatively, that it had not consented to Thomas driving the vehicle.
Brown rejected those arguments, concluding that the purchase agreement the dealership relied upon as proof that Siah was the vehicle's owner was never intended to be a binding agreement, but rather a temporary measure to allow a buyer to drive a newly purchased vehicle off the lot in the form of an extended test drive.
Most of the $5.49 million in damages for which Thomas and Harris Victoria were held liable was based on an estimate of future care needs for Tracy, who has been living in a long-term care home since she left the hospital.
The judge also ordered the liable parties to pay $550,000 for Ward's loss of future earnings, $414,000 in non-pecuniary damages, $333,235.55 in special damages and $195,600 for income Ward has already lost due to the crash.
With files from CTV News Vancouver Island's Ian Holliday
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.