National

Saskatchewan Man Who Struck, Killed Conservation Officer Appeals Sentence

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Apr, 2016 01:34 PM

REGINA — A man who struck and killed a Saskatchewan conservation officer is to have the appeal of his sentence heard on Thursday.

Blaine Taypotat was given 9 1/2 years for running down Justin Knackstedt, who had stopped to help police direct traffic after a crash near Saskatoon in May 2013.

Court documents filed by Taypotat's lawyer claim the trial judge didn't consider Taypotat's background of poverty, abuse in a residential school and struggle with alcohol.

Those factors are to be taken into account by courts when sentencing aboriginal offenders.

Taypotat's lawyer writes that the sentence imposed is "demonstrably unfit" and should be eight years.

The Crown says the judge did not make a mistake and the sentence is in keeping with jail time for similar crimes.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Life-Insurance Industry Wants Assisted Dying Treated Differently Than Suicide

Frank Zinatelli of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association said if someone follows the legislated process, which is expected to be announced as early as next week, then providers would pay out on policies that are less than two years old.

Life-Insurance Industry Wants Assisted Dying Treated Differently Than Suicide

Human Rights Ruling Could Change Reaction To Miscarriage: Survivors And Experts

TORONTO — A recent ruling branding miscarriages as a type of disability has the potential to change the way society tackles a stigmatized issue, survivors and experts say.

Human Rights Ruling Could Change Reaction To Miscarriage: Survivors And Experts

Kathleen Wynne To Meet With Opposition Leaders To Discuss Fundraising

TORONTO — The leaders of Ontario's main political parties are meeting Monday to discuss fundraising reforms following two weeks of unrelenting opposition attacks over expensive and exclusive dinners for Liberal donors.

Kathleen Wynne To Meet With Opposition Leaders To Discuss Fundraising

Child Care Advocates Fear Consequences If Liberal Funding Promise Falls Through

OTTAWA — A federal promise to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a national child care system is not a sure thing — and advocates are wondering happens to the money if the Liberals can't reach agreements on a long-sought day care framework.

Child Care Advocates Fear Consequences If Liberal Funding Promise Falls Through

'He Did Everything For The Art:' Toller Cranston's Final Paintings Come Home

CALGARY — The final paintings of Canadian figure-skating great Toller Cranston have returned home after his untimely death in Mexico more than a year ago.

'He Did Everything For The Art:' Toller Cranston's Final Paintings Come Home

Cocaine, Alcohol Use Can Increase Suicide Risk

Using cocaine and alcohol together at the same time can lead to an increased risk of committing a suicide, warns a study.