Drunk driver who killed Alexa Middelaer released from prison

Carol Berner killed four-year-old Alexa Middelaer while driving drunk in Delta, B.C. in 2008. (CTV)

The Delta woman who struck and killed four-year-old Alexa Middelaer while driving drunk has been released from prison.

Carol Berner was given statutory release after serving 18 months of her two-and-a-half year sentence, but is subject to several conditions.

She’s been ordered not to possess or drink alcohol, or have any contact with the Middelaer family. Berner must also undergo substance abuse treatment.

The Middelaers issued a statement Tuesday calling for tougher sentences for drunk drivers, a cause they have championed for years, and encouraging Berner to do something positive with her freedom.

“Our hope is that she now chooses to contribute to her community and family in a productive manner, hopefully surrounding herself with a peer group that will help her grow in character and strength,” they said.

Berner was driving 91 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometre zone when she careened into the young Ladner girl and her aunt in May 2008. The pair had been feeding a horse at the side of a rural road.

Berner was found guilty of impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving in 2010. She unsuccessfully tried to appeal her conviction.