Hit and run sentencing delayed by judge

LETHBRIDGE – Sentencing for Edward Mikla has been delayed until Jan. 20, so the judge in his case can review all evidence.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty in July 2015 to a hit and run that killed 45-year-old Lorne Miller.

READ MORE: Man charged in serious hit and run, pleads guilty to lesser

On Tuesday, Mikla heard victim impact statements from Miller’s family. His father, sister and mother described just how difficult the trial has been on them.

“We watch our mom and dad, their health has been horrible,” sister Candace Van Diemen said outside the courthouse. “We worry that maybe he’s not only killed our brother, but he’s going to kill our parents too.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We watch our mom and dad, their health has been horrible," sister Candace Van Diemen said outside the courthouse. "We worry that maybe he's not only killed our brother, but he's going to kill our parents too."

Mikla was also given the chance to speak to the court. He said, “if I could go back and change everything, I would.”

At one point he turned to the Miller family and told them, “I know it doesn’t mean much, but I am sorry.”

The Crown has asked for Mikla to serve four years in prison and to be given a 25-year driving ban. However, the defence has asked for five months to one-year of jail time and a five-year driving ban.

“When it comes to driving, hitting someone, someone dies and you leave the scene of the accident, the sentences have not gone above a year,” Mikla’s lawyer Greg White said.

Miller’s family hopes Mikla gets the maximum penalty, to not only get justice for their loved one but to show the consequences of a hit and run.

“I’m just hoping that Lauren’s death can set an example to other hit and run drivers, to make them think twice before they do it,” said his father, Keith Miller.

READ MORE: Father of four continues to fight for his life after hit and run

After Justice Rodney Jerke told the court he would be delaying the sentencing, he asked that Mikla be taken into custody, stating that his status has changed significantly, as he is aware that he will be serving prison time.

In Jan. 2014, Miller was riding his bike home from work when he was hit by a truck and left on the side of the road. Two days later Mikla turned himself in to police.

Miller died of his injuries in May 2014.

READ MORE: He will be greatly missed

Mikla pleaded guilty in July 2015 to a single count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident. A second charge of dangerous driving causing death was withdrawn by the court.

He will return to court on Jan. 20 to hear his final sentencing.