The sentencing hearing for Kenneth Jacob Fenton got underway in a packed Colwood courtroom this morning. Fenton pleaded guilty to 2 counts, impaired driving causing death, and dangerous driving causing death ... in connection with the death of Cst. Sarah Beckett. Beckett's cruiser was struck by a truck in a Langford intersection.
The court is hearing information contained in a statement of fact agreed to by the Defence and Prosecution.
So far we've heard Fenton had consumed 7-8 beers with dinner before going out to friends' house, and blood tests show his blood alcohol level was over 3 1/2 times legal limit. He was upset about a friend's suicide the night he crashed his truck into Cst. Beckett's cruiser.
A recording was played of a dispatch call from an officer attempting to pull over Fenton just prior to the crash, and estimated put Fenton's speed at between 82 and 90 km. Police began pursuing Fenton when RCMP noticed no tail lights on his truck, and that the police car following Fenton had lights on but no sirens and was going slower than Fenton's truck. The court also heard that Fenton was not fleeing police, but was distracted and his reactions were slowed by alcohol when he ran a red light.
The Court viewed video of Fenton's vehicle running the red light and striking Cst. Beckett's cruiser. The light had been red for about 8 seconds.
Fenton refused to provide a blood alcohol sample at hospital, was crying and suicidal.
The maximum penalty for impaired driving causing death is life in prison and for dangerous driving causing death it is 14 years.
The husband of Cnst. Beckett said he'd lost the love of his life, and said the worst thing he ever had to do was tell his oldest child Mommy wasn't coming home. He noted his youngest would never remembewr her.
The hearting will continue at a later date which has yet to be set.