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

5 Things That Could Push The Federal Budget Deficit Past $20Billion Next Year

Finance Minister Bill Morneau released updated fiscal projections Monday that predict an $18.4-billion deficit in 2016-17.

5 Things That Could Push The Federal Budget Deficit Past $20Billion Next Year

Seven People Named To Investigate Real Estate Flipping In B.C.

Lawyer Howard Kushner, Central 1 Credit Union president Don Wright and British Columbia Securities Commission head Audrey Ho are among those who will sit on the panel.

Seven People Named To Investigate Real Estate Flipping In B.C.

Winnipeg Family Wants Apology, Charges After Worker Hurls Racial Slur At Teen

The 14-year-old, who asked that his name not be used, says he was hanging out on the grounds of a community centre near his Winnipeg school earlier this month when the worker told him and a friend to leave.

Winnipeg Family Wants Apology, Charges After Worker Hurls Racial Slur At Teen

Beyond The Inquiry: Families Of Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women Want Action

Grieving families are hoping premiers will take action on their own following a second roundtable on missing and murdered indigenous women.

Beyond The Inquiry: Families Of Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women Want Action

Uber Gets Bylaw From Calgary City Council, But Says It Won't Work

Calgary city council has passed a bylaw that would allow for the operation of ride-sharing companies, but officials with Uber say the rules are too strict.

Uber Gets Bylaw From Calgary City Council, But Says It Won't Work

Grandmother Reads Statement At Marco Muzzo Sentencing, Tells Of Pining For Husband

A woman who lost her three children and father in a horrific drunk driving crash broke into tears Tuesday as she spoke to the man responsible for their deaths before a packed Ontario courtroom.