EDMONTON – A St. Paul man accused of driving his minivan into a school classroom, killing one student and seriously injuring two others, has been denied bail. Judge Kathleen Williams made the decision to deny Richard Edward Benson bail, at a hearing on Thursday afternoon.
Benson, 46, is charged with one count of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. The charges of criminal negligence replace three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm laid last week, before Grade 6 student Megan Wolitski died of her injuries.
On Oct. 25, a white minivan plowed into the Grade 6 French immersion classroom at St. Paul’s Racette Junior High School. Wolitski died one day later in an Edmonton hospital.
Emotions ran high in the St. Paul courtroom, Thursday afternoon. Benson’s children yelled out “I love you dad,” and before he was taken away, Benson turned to them and said “I love you, too.”
Details on why Benson’s bail was denied cannot be released due to a publication ban however, parents who attended the hearing say they are pleased with the decision.
“I’m glad it went our way for our children and our families. If Mr. Benson is truly remorseful for what has happened he would ditch the lawyer, he would plead guilty to his charges, and accept what is coming to him,” said Dean Bardal, whose son was injured in the crash.
Benson’s lawyer Brian Beresh says he plans to appeal the decision. Benson’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 13th.
The two girls who were seriously injured in the crash are still in hospital. RCMP say one is in critical condition and the other is in stable condition.
With files from Laurel Clark.
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