Teen given custody, driving ban after fatal Ring Road crash

The teen who caused a deadly crash on Regina’s Ring Road two years ago has found out his fate.

The now 18-year-old was sentenced at provincial court Thursday.

He was sentenced to 120 days of open custody — 80 in a facility and 40 in a community supervision order — followed by a 19-month probation.

He was also sentenced to a five-year driving prohibition. Due to him not being able to drive since the incident, there is two years, eight months and 15 days left on the prohibition. That time won’t be served until he is out of custody.

The teen will also need to serve 185 hours of community service.

Justice Leslie Halliday called the case “difficult and tragic” but noted the sentence cannot be too lenient or strict because it can undermine the public’s trust in the courts.

During the sentencing, Halliday noted the teen has not had any run-ins with the law since the incident and has remained employed, graduated high school and has taken an undergraduate class.

Back in 2015, the then 16-year-old was driving on the Ring Road when he turned off his car and pulled the keys out of the ignition.

This caused the teen to lose control of the vehicle, causing him to crash into another car, killing 49-year-old Saeed Warriach.

Crown prosecutor Ryan Snyder said it wasn’t what the Crown was looking for — a one-year open custody sentence — but they respect the ruling.

“Nothing’s going to bring back what Mrs. Saeed lost and that’s what really this was about today,” Snyder said.

“This is going to be an event and consequence he’s going to live with for the rest of his life,” defence lawyer Sharon Fox said. He’s relieved to begin healing and going through the process of healing and doing what he can to give back to the community for the damage and loss he’s caused.”

Fox said it was too early to say if any further action, such as an appeal, will take place.

The defence was looking for a stringent community-based sentence in the form of a probation order.

The teen will be transported to the Paul Dojack Youth Centre immediately to begin his order.

WIDOW STILL FEELS CONNECTION TO HUSBAND

Sibgha, the wife of Warriach, was tearful when she exited the court room.

She said the judge did her best according to the law.

Sigbha and Saeed came to Canada from Pakistan in 2010. In 2012, the couple’s twin boys were born.

She said the two children haven’t been able to fully comprehend their dad was killed and they believe he is back home in Pakistan. They ask if they can fly to see him.

Saeed’s body was taken home and buried in Pakistan.

She said she eventually wants to take her sons with her to Pakistan to visit his grave.

Her father was also in the vehicle during the crash, leaving him with limited mobility in his left arm.

She hopes the teen finishes school and becomes a good citizen.

While the ruling brings her a bit of closure, she hopes people remember her husband, even after this case has finished.