Sentencing arguments in hit-and-run death of Calgary police officer to be rescheduled

Sgt. Andrew Harnett is shown in a handout photo from the Calgary Police Service. (CPS handout)

Sentencing arguments for a young man convicted of manslaughter in the hit-and-run death of a Calgary police officer have been delayed.

Sgt. Andrew Harnett died after being dragged by an SUV, then falling into the path of an oncoming car on Dec. 31, 2020.

The offender, who is now 20, was days away from turning 18 when Harnett died and was driving the vehicle when it took off from a routine traffic stop with the officer holding on to the wheel and trying to get him to stop.

He testified during his trial that he was scared when Harnett and another officer approached the vehicle during a traffic stop and he saw Harnett put his hand on his gun.

Justice Anna Loparco has ruled that the young man should be sentenced as an adult and was scheduled to hear arguments today.

But the proceeding was delayed at the request of the defence and will be back in court June 16 to set a new date for when the sentencing will go ahead.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2023.