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Jail for fatal hit-and-run driver

Could be deported when he's released

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 05/24/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

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Melissa Ranville

HE fled the scene of a deadly hit-and-run in a move a judge described as "cowardly."

Now Roop Dhaliwal may face a one-way flight out of Canada after he completes a year-long jail sentence.

Dhaliwal, 36, pleaded guilty earlier this year to driving while disqualified and fleeing the scene of an accident for the August 2009 tragedy that left Melissa Ranville dying on a city street. He was out on bail and banned from driving at the time of the crash.

The Crown was seeking a two-year sentence for Dhaliwal, who waited four days before turning himself in to police. Dhaliwal asked for a conditional sentence, which would have allowed him to remain free in the community. Defence lawyer Sheldon Pinx told court his client could face deportation to his native India if given a jail sentence.

Queen's Bench Justice Joan McKelvey heard arguments last month and issued a written decision Wednesday.

Ranville, 19, died after being run over while walking down Sheppard Street near Inkster Boulevard. Dhaliwal said he never saw Ranville, who was wearing dark clothing. He hit her from behind, causing her body to strike his windshield before going under the vehicle. Dhaliwal kept driving and later admitted to a family friend he knew he was responsible for killing Ranville.

"I feel angry because this should have never happened," her mother, Janet Delorme, told court in an impact statement. "A mother should not have a child go before her."

Crown attorney Chris Vanderhooft said there was no evidence Dhaliwal was impaired, although it's impossible to prove because he fled the scene.

Dhaliwal does have a history of impaired driving. He was arrested in May 2009 and charged with impaired driving, refusing a breathalyzer and fleeing the scene of an accident. He was released on bail the following day with conditions that included a driving ban.

Dhaliwal was rearrested on Aug. 5, 2009, after being accused of breaching conditions of his release. He was again released on bail. Dhaliwal then struck and killed Ranville on Aug. 14.

"He should not have been driving at all," Vanderhooft told court in his sentencing submissions. "And he did not make any effort to render any assistance to Miss Ranville."

Dhaliwal pleaded guilty to the drunk-driving charges and was given a $1,500 fine and one-year driving prohibition. He has eight prior driving infractions on his record, including speeding, driving without insurance and disobeying a red light.

www.mikeoncrime.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 24, 2012 B1

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