A Calgary man convicted in a drunk-driving crash was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, but the family of the victim wanted to see a harsher sentence to send a message to impaired drivers.
Wenieke Thijs will also be prohibited from driving for six years after he is released from jail, a judge ruled Tuesday afternoon.
"I think that our justice system is broken and has failed us," said Ashley Ross, the victim's daughter. Ross, who was riding his motorcycle, died after being hit by an SUV at the intersection of Peigan Trail and 36 Street S.E."It's nothing short of losing everything," White told journalists outside the courthouse following the sentencing.
During sentencing, Justice Barbara Johnston acknowledged Thijs had two prior impaired-driving offences, the most recent being nine years before the deadly crash."Before I impose a sentence, I must acknowledge that no sentence I impose can ever make up for the devastating loss of Mr. Ross. No sentence can alleviate the profound pain his family and friends are suffering as a result of his loss," said Johnston.
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