During the trial, the crown called three witnesses, two law enforcement officials and the owner of the car who was struck from behind. The defendant did not question any of the crown’s witnesses making it all the more curious what her defense might be.
When finally it was her turn to defend herself she presented court with evidence of a medical condition, which included a history of anxiety. She didn’t call any witnesses and she actually admitted to her crimes while on the stand on several occasions. Her defense basically amounted to her not being responsible for her actions because of her medical conditions. She left the scene of a dramatic accident because she suffered from anxiety and panicked. She failed to give a sample of her breath because she was in shock. She was speeding, and putting her son’s life in danger, because she wanted to buy a cake for her boyfriend and she feared the stores in Jasper would close. She added that her life was now in ruins because she couldn’t drive and she would soon lose her job if she were to receive a criminal record. She felt she deserved mercy and relief from her plight.
The Crown tore the defendant to pieces on the stand and the judge found her guilty, sentencing her with stiff fines but giving her a lengthy period in which to pay. She was also prohibited from driving for one year.
Based on the defendant’s testimony she will likely now lose her job and will find getting around very difficult, but those are the consequences of her actions.
It was hard not to feel sorry for her. Not because she was handed a stiff penalty for her crimes or because she and her young son were going to have a very difficult life now, but because she did not understand the true nature of responsibility. In fact, she ran from responsibility the moment she got into trouble. Taking responsibility includes accepting consequences and making amends; it is very sad that she did not understand this.
We all make mistakes, most are small, but the best way to avoid big life changing mistakes is to make wise, thoughtful choices, and conduct ourselves within the rules and guidelines of our society.
