Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Driver hit, killed cyclist, fled in 'panic'

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 12/1/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

A Winnipeg motorist says "panic" caused him to flee after he struck and killed a cyclist, and he will forever regret the cowardly act.

Mike Haines, 27, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act and to leaving the scene of an accident under the Criminal Code. The Crown agreed to drop a more serious charge of criminal negligence causing death.

Haines was in court Friday for sentencing, where the Crown requested up to nine months behind bars. Defence lawyer Mike Cook argued for a hefty fine, probation and community service. Provincial court Judge Ray Wyant has reserved his decision.

"There are no words I can express to let you know how sorry I am," Haines told the victim's husband, two children and two grandchildren who were in court. "Who would know two to three seconds could change people's lives forever?"

Linda Preston, 42, was riding her bike in the early morning of June 17, 2010, when she was hit by a vehicle near Main Street and Sutherland Avenue. She was rushed to hospital but died of her injuries. An autopsy revealed she was intoxicated at the time, with more than triple the maximum blood-alcohol level allowed to drive a vehicle. She was also wearing dark clothing and had no reflective lights on her bike.

However, Haines admitted he took his eyes off the road for several seconds and never saw Preston in his path. Her body slammed against his windshield and flew nearly 10 metres through the air, court was told. Haines drove away from the scene, travelling several blocks, removed an unopened case of beer from his car and then returned to the area six minutes after the crash.

"He thought it would look bad to have a case of beer in his vehicle," Cook told court Friday. But he said his client, who was on his way home from work at a hotel, hadn't consumed any alcohol.

"Every day he's going to look in the mirror and see the reflection of the person who killed Linda Preston. I don't think he's ever going to be able to shake this," Cook said.

Haines confessed, telling police he didn't see Preston until it was too late.

Crown attorney Jeff Nichols said Friday a message must be sent to Haines and other motorists that this sort of conduct has serious consequences.

"A punitive sanction that involves jail is necessary," he said.

www.mikeoncrime.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 1, 2012 A13

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.