Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Man handed 30-month sentence for crash that killed tow-truck driver
Amanda Frizzley (HANDOUT)
Jan Frizzley (centre) and husband Craig (left) talk to reporters about the outcome of the court case against Steve Watkins, who pleaded guilty this morning to impaired driving causing the death in 2007 of their daughter, Amanda.
The family of Winnipeg tow-truck driver Amanda Frizzley believes a steep new price has been put on drunk driving after the man who killed their daughter was sentenced to 30 months behind bars today.
A tearful Steve Watkins, 22, was led out of court in handcuffs after a judge approved a joint sentencing recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers. Watkins pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death in the September 2007 crash that killed Frizzley in downtown Winnipeg.
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Frizzley, 26, was thrown from her Dr. Hook Towing truck and crushed after a Jimmy SUV driven the wrong way on York Avenue crashed into her. Another passenger in the truck was sent to hospital with injuries.
At the time, Frizzley and other tow truck drivers were clearing the downtown area of vehicles to make way for a charity run to benefit cancer research later that morning.
"I think the justice system has made a quantum leap today," the victim’s father, Craig Frizzley, said outside court this afternoon.
Frizzley runs a Manitoba driving school along with his wife, Jan, and said it’s clear motorists still aren’t getting the message about drinking and driving, pointing to the recent holiday Checkstop campaign.
The family hopes stiffer prison sentences -- instead of conditional penalties that allow deadly drivers to remain in the community -- will help turn the corner.
"We know this case has set a precedent. Even if you drink and drive and don’t have a record, you go to prison. You don’t get a slap on the wrist anymore," he said.
Watkins had a blood-alcohol level of approximately .20 at the time of the crash, which is two-and-a-half times the legal limit for driving. He had no prior criminal record and was seriously injured himself, spending six days in a coma and requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
"I know I can’t expect your forgiveness. The terrible pain for your loss must be difficult," an emotional Watkins told the victim’s family, friends and supporters just before being led away in handcuffs.
"From the bottom of my heart I am sorry."
Queen’s Bench Justice Morris Kaufmann called Frizzley’s death a "parent’s worst nightmare" and said the justice system could do little to ease the family’s pain.
"These cases, more than most, highlight the inadequacies of the justice system to make things right," he said.
Watkins was also given a five-year driving ban.
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PREVIOUS
21 Comments
Posted by: slackkey
January 22, 2009 at 12:00 PM
At least it was 30 months, Harvey-Zenk got nothing and to go home to his family and I don't think Crystal Taman's death is any less important than Amanda's. Sympathies to all the families; no one should have to bury their children.
Posted by: Jefferson100
January 21, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Very tragic, for all involved - absolutely heartbreaking. The parents show an incredible sense of strength and faith. I have no idea what I would do if I lost my daughter like that. I feel sorry for the young man, but in my view, the sentence is not a deterrence. Perhaps he will get out and talk at schools or community clubs ... There has to be something good come out of this.
Posted by: Joey
January 21, 2009 at 5:40 PM
It's not pen time. It's halfway house. 30 months, which he only has to do one tenth of.
Posted by: Wrkitout
January 21, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Outrageous is not a word I'd use, what I'd say can't be posted here. Steve Watkins should of gotten a minimum of five years to be served in Stony Mountain Penitentiary. When the courts stop sitting on their hands unwilling to meter out the appropriate punishment to drunk drivers that cause death, we as a society will be better off.
Posted by: emmiezmom@gmail.com
January 21, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I think the parents should have had some input for the sentence but then again as a parent no amount of time is enough. this family will never get the loved one back, but this man must live with what he has done until the day he dies, i think this along with the sentence is punishment too. At least there has been closure for the family now they can move on with thier lives.
Posted by: Steve
January 21, 2009 at 4:22 PM
30 months is a pretty shameful sentence for killing someone. Thanks, Justice Department, for looking after the rest of us when we are driving around. I'm sure that many of the people that are drinking and driving tonight and every night will be cowed as a result of your efforts. May you encounter this kid when he gets out (in a year, maybe?), late some night as you are driving home.
Posted by: PT
January 21, 2009 at 3:44 PM
It's pathetic, but 30 months is a long time. 2 years less a day conditional sentance was and is VERY common and the norm. Policeman or not, that is what people get for imparied driving causing death. Is it right? Definitely not. Was the policeman an exception? Definitely not. This being said, 30 months is a big step... unless that 1/6 time served is true, then two years minus a day in jail would have been better.
Posted by: Cindy
January 21, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I am comfortable with the sentence - one life was lost - many more were ruined. The young man will live with the quilt of his actions for the rest of his life. He will always be known by his actions - the 30 months may go quickly but the quilt and memories will last a lifetime.
Posted by: B.
January 21, 2009 at 3:29 PM
30 months for Murder?! Our so-called "Justice system" is a complete out-rage?!
Posted by: Vic Timm
January 21, 2009 at 3:12 PM
It's too bad such a precedent wasn't set in the case of a 30 plus yr. old, presumably more mature policeman. Perhaps then the younger more immature drivers could have learned a lesson and more unnecessary killing might have been averted. But, better late than never.
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