SASKATOON – Sobbing from the prisoners’ box , Joesph Ledoux said he’s sorry and will accept whatever the judge feels will give his victim’s family justice. On Monday, sentencing submissions were held for Ledoux, 23, after he pleaded guilty in October 2014 to dangerous driving causing death.
On July 21, 2012, Ledoux drove through an intersection striking a 73-year-old woman who died later that summer in hospital from pneumonia.
READ MORE: Guilty plea in fatal 2012 crash that killed woman
Court heard road and weather conditions were good at the time of the collision and there was no evidence that Ledoux was driving at excessive speeds when he entered the intersection of Fairlight Drive and Gropper Crescent.
The Crown acknowledge some mental health concerns regarding Ledoux and that he was the subject of abuse when he was younger. Ledoux, a young father of a seven-year-old son, also admitted to using cocaine on a weekly basis while drinking up to a year ago and is deemed at medium risk to re-offend.
The Crown read a victim impact statement written on the victim’s behalf before she died on Aug. 29, 2012.
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“I would not feel safe walking again,” said the victim, who walked nearly an hour a day.
Seeking a range of anywhere from 17 to 30 months in prison, the Crown asked that Ledoux be put on probation and be prohibited from driving.
The defence is seeking a short imprisonment term along with probation for Ledoux, arguing that he takes full responsibility for his actions and had no criminal record prior to the collision. The defence also noted that while the victim’s injuries were serious from the collision they weren’t fatal.
The defence pointed out that Ledoux isn’t blaming his first nations race on his actions and that his mother was very involved in his life. In terms, of his mental health, defence told the court that Ledoux has tried to commit suicide twice.
“Ledoux has been living in his own personal hell.”
When asked if he wanted to address the court, Ledoux stood in front of the judge, his hands shaking and his voice inaudible between sobs.
Judge Gerald Allbright adjourned the court for a short break so Ledoux could compose himself.
“I’m just so sorry,” said a tearful Ledoux.
Allbright acknowledge his heartfelt apology and scheduled sentencing for June 5.
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