Impaired operation causing death
R. v. Watson
- Below the Crown's ask
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
Haley Jade Watson pleaded guilty to impaired operation of a conveyance causing the deaths of three young men near Wilmer. The Crown sought five years in custody; the defence sought a conditional sentence of two years less a day. Justice Lyster imposed two years less a day in custody followed by three years of probation and a three-year driving prohibition, balancing high moral blameworthiness against her youth, guilty plea, lack of a record and substantial Gladue factors.
In the judge's words
1In consideration of the high moral blameworthiness of Ms. Watson's offence, which resulted in the deaths of three young men, balanced with the significant mitigating factors, including the presence of substantial Gladue factors, I have concluded that a fit and proportionate sentence is two years less a day. Such a sentence, while at the low end of the range, will signal to the public that this was a serious crime and that such reckless behaviour must be condemned.
The record
- Convicted of
- Impaired operation causing death (CC 320.14(3))
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 2 years less a day conditional sentence1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: M. Coetzee
Defence: D.J. Forbes
Sources
- R. v. Watson, 2026 BCSC 170 Court decision, CanLII, January 30, 2026
[70] The Crown seeks a custodial sentence of five years.
[71] The defence seeks a conditional sentence order ("CSO") of two years less a day, the maximum period available, during which Ms. Watson would be subject to house arrest.
[1] Haley Jade Watson is before the court for sentencing.
[42] Ms. Watson has no criminal record.
[140] In consideration of the high moral blameworthiness of Ms. Watson's offence, which resulted in the deaths of three young men, balanced with the significant mitigating factors, including the presence of substantial Gladue factors, I have concluded that a fit and proportionate sentence is two years less a day. Such a sentence, while at the low end of the range, will signal to the public that this was a serious crime and that such reckless behaviour must be condemned.
[142] I hereby sentence you to a term of imprisonment of two years less a day. This is to be followed by a term of probation of three years
- R. v. Watson, 2026 BCSC 170 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia