A 34-year-old Grande Prairie Man is being sentenced to two years after a fatal collision on Highway 63.
Burton was traveling north on the Highway and took his eye off the road for an extended period of time to look for a landmark before crashing into Caldwell and three other vehicles.
A 16-year-old girl was suffered serious injuries which forced her to stay in the hospital for two weeks.
The Crown was looking for between three to five years for Caldwell’s death, however, Justice David Gates, decided to expect the defenses recommendation of two years.
“You will have to live with this for the rest of you life,” Gates stated during the sentencing.
In making his decision, Gates notes he took into consideration the fact Burton was not under the influence, his prior clean record, and his remorse. He also mentioned his speed and his work history of being a truck driver as main reasons for his decision.
“He owed a duty of care on the highway that should have been greater than others.”
Burton was also sentenced for one year for the injuries sustained by the 16-year-old girl, which will be served concurrently.
He was also handed a three-year driving prohibition.
