The Crown is seeking a 15-month sentence for the 14-year-old driver in a major Saskatoon crash earlier this year that sent an 82-year-old man to hospital in critical condition. The 14-year-old boy responsible for the crash cannot be named under Youth Criminal Justice Act. He has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing bodily harm, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and failing to stop while being pursued by an officer. Court heard the teen stole an SUV from a Prince Albert woman in the early morning hours of May 5. He was later seen speeding and pursued by Corman Park Police. He eventually lost control of the vehicle and slammed into 82-year-old Doug Bremner’s vehicle. Court heard Bremner sustained second and third degree burns on 20 per cent of his body, broke multiple bones and had to be airlifted to Edmonton where he remains in hospital. At the 14-year-boy’s sentencing hearing on Thursday, court heard victim impact statement from Bremner and his loved ones. They said before the crash, Bremner was the primary caregiver for his wife who has cancer and that she has since stopped treatment so she can remain by his side during recovery. Bremner wrote that daily tasks have become a challenge and that the hardest part has been losing his independence and dignity, saying how he often cared for others, but now others have to care for him. The Crown is seeking a sentence of 10 months in a secure facility and five months community supervision, followed by 12 months of probation. The defence is seeking no time in custody, two years probation and a three year driving ban. At the end of the hearing, the boy’s lawyer read a statement on his behalf where he apologized to Bremner’s family and said he wants to turn his life around. The boy was also given a chance to speak directly to Judge Lisa Watson but said he had nothing to say. Judge Watson has reserved her decision on sentencing.
