David McLennan has been sentenced to nine months incarceration and two years probation. He had been found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of his 16-year-old son Dylyn.
McLennan’s teenage daughter Darla bursts into tears upon hearing the sentence and was consoled by other family members.
Justice Terry Patterson said the fact that McLennan had been drinking and “showing off” that night was a factor in the sentencing.
Assistant Crown attorney Tom Meehan said he’s satisfied with the sentence, and this has been among “the saddest cases I’ve been involved in”
McLennan’s sentence also involves 1 year ban on driving & 120 hours community service, to be served after his jail term.
McLennan’s lawyer Michael Gordner was asking for a suspended sentence (no jail time).
Justice Patterson said: “I do not believe that David McLennan’s driving that night was at the lowest level of blameworthiness.”
But Patterson added: “I do not doubt the suffering that he continues to feel.”
More to come…
Members of the McLennan family console David’s daughter Darla outside the courthouse after David’s sentencing on June 27, 2013. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Robin McLennan (L), David’s former wife and mother of 16-year-old accident victim Dylyn, accompanies Darla outside the courthouse on June 27, 2013. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
