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

Canadian Journalist Mohamed Fahmy, Amnesty Call For 'Charter' To Protect Canadians Jailed Overseas

Fahmy, Amnesty International and other civil society groups want to see a protection charter that would give transparency to a process that appears to be applied unequally and unevenly around the world.

Canadian Journalist Mohamed Fahmy, Amnesty Call For 'Charter' To Protect Canadians Jailed Overseas

I'm No Quitter: Christy Clark Clark Battles B.C.'s 'Forces Of No,' On LNG, Trade Deal

First Nations leaders quickly shot back at the premier, labelling her comments "paternalistic" and "mindless."

I'm No Quitter: Christy Clark Clark Battles B.C.'s 'Forces Of No,' On LNG, Trade Deal

Yukon Government Does U-Turn On 'We All Need the D,' Campaign That Had Social Media Howling

The department of Health and Social Services recently rolled out a campaign exhorting residence of the sun-deprived territory to ensure they're getting enough vitamin D.

Yukon Government Does U-Turn On 'We All Need the D,' Campaign That Had Social Media Howling

Man Found With US$100,000 In Cash In Toronto Loses Money To Government As Crime Proceeds

A man caught with more than US$100,000 cash in his backback as he attempted to leave Canada for Panama City lost his bid on Monday to have the seized money returned.

Man Found With US$100,000 In Cash In Toronto Loses Money To Government As Crime Proceeds

Pipelines: Justin Trudeau Says His Job Is To Bring People Together

Trudeau met with Denis Coderre for 45 minutes Tuesday to discuss a range of issues including the recent decision by the Montreal mayor and the organization that represents area municipalities to reject the 4,600-kilometre pipeline.

Pipelines: Justin Trudeau Says His Job Is To Bring People Together

Just Months After Tying Knot, Quebec Power Couple Pierre Karl Peladeau And Julie Snyder Split Up

In a statement late Monday, the Parti Quebecois leader and Snyder, a television host and producer, said they have split and entered a mediation process.