CALGARY- The man who pleaded guilty in the drunk driving death of his passenger has been sentenced to two years behind bars.
20-year-old Travis Meissinger was killed in a crash in the community of Dover in January 2011, after catching a ride home from a party with a friend. After drinking at a friend’s house, they decided to head to a nightclub—but never made it.
21-year-old Chris Fitzsimons was charged with dangerous and impaired driving causing death, and plead guilty last month.
On Thursday, victim impact statements were read by Meissinger’s mother, brother, grandmother and aunt. The court room was packed by supporters of both Messinger and Fitzsimons.
The Crown recommended a prison sentence of two to five years, while the defence asked for a two year sentence.
“There are no winners in this thing at all,” says defence lawyer Alain Hepner. “It was gut wrenching, it was emotional, it was raw. The nerves were exposed for everybody in that courtroom.”
Fitzsimons will serve his time in a federal penitentiary. When he’s released, he will be banned from driving for five years.
Comments