The driver of a farm vehicle involved in a deadly crash in Delta, B.C., three years ago made an emotional apology on Friday as a judge heard submissions on sentencing.
“If I could change the events of that day I would do so in a heartbeat,” Jasdeep Singh Sandhu told the court through tears.
Sandhu, who had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, was driving a slow-moving 14,500-kilogram bean harvester on Highway 17A in October 2021, when a Nissan driven by Joan Sherry slammed into it from behind.
Sherry, 77, died at the scene.
The court heard Sandhu’s vehicle had no rear lights, no red flags and no wide-load signage. The driver of a pilot car meant to accompany the vehicle was taking a shower and had intended to meet Sandhu halfway to his destination.
Crown prosecutors are seeking a two-year conditional sentence, followed by a five-year driving ban.
Prosecutors argued the collision was entirely Sandhu’s fault and the product of intentional risk-taking, producing catastrophic consequences.
Sandhu’s defence said he suffered a “momentary lapse in judgement” and is asking for three years probation, including a condition that he not operate any farm vehicles.
Sandhu, who graduated the University of the Fraser Valley with a degree in physiotherapy, wasn’t scheduled to work that night, and deeply regrets picking up the shift, his lawyer added.
Criminal charges were not initially recommended, but that changed after an independent review of the Delta police investigation.
B.C. Provincial Court Judge Reg Harris is expected to return a sentence in October.