WINNIPEG - A Manitoba judge has accepted a controversial deal that spares a former police officer jail time for causing a deadly car crash.
Derek Harvey-Zenk pleaded guilty earlier this year to dangerous driving causing death in a February 2005 crash that killed 40-year-old Crystal Ann Taman.
As a result, the Crown prosecutor and defence put forward a joint recommendation for a conditional sentence.
But last month provincial court Judge Ray Wyant publicly questioned that recommendation, noting higher standards of conduct are expected from police officers and justice officials.
Wyant said today he still believes that, but noted the Crown can only prosecute cases based on the evidence available.
The case aroused anger because other charges against Harvey-Zenk, including impaired driving causing death and refusing a breathalyzer test, were dropped.
