The father of a young girl who died last year after a car crashed into a London, Ont., Costco store said he harbours no ill will toward the woman who was behind the wheel.
On Friday, a judge found 66-year-old Ruth Burger guilty of dangerous driving in connection with the 2014 crash that led to the deaths of six-year-old Addison Hall and her newborn sister.
After the ruling, Addison Hall’s father Eric told reporters he doesn't harbour any ill will toward Burger, explaining that he "can't imagine what she is feeling" and has "most definitely" forgiven her.
Addison died after she was struck, and her sister Rhiannon Bozek, who was delivered via C-section after the crash, died a week later.
"She was a precious angel," Hall said, referring to his daughter.
Addison's mother and sister were also injured after Burger's car slammed into the store's front entrance.
Hall said he hopes the memory of Addison will teach others about both forgiveness and driving safely.
“It kind of gives us a bit of closure at the end of it all and maybe opens some of our eyes that we… should drive a little more careful,” Hall said.
In his ruling, Judge Jonathon George found Burger guilty on charges of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Burger had pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm that were laid after the July, 2014 crash.
Burger's lawyer Ron Ellis told reporters that he is "disappointed with the outcome" of the trial.
"It's a sad day and my comments are, that it would have been a sad day if Ruth was acquitted of the charges. Regardless of the decision it's a sad day," Ellis said outside the court.
During her trial, Burger testified that she tried to press the brake to slow down, but her foot got caught.
She will be sentenced on October 20. Burger’s lawyer is not saying if she will appeal the judge’s decision.
With files from CTV London
