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The woman who hit and killed an 83-year-old woman in Kelowna has been sentenced.
Sharon Scott has been sentenced to 20 hours of community work service, one-year probation, and her license will be suspended for three months. Scott did not face any criminal charges as lawyers previously said there was lack of intent.
She was found guilty of driving without due care and attention under the BC Motor Vehicle Act on January 8th.
The 72-year-old woman was an independent contractor for the Daily Courier newspaper. Around 1:00 a.m., on November 23rd, 2014 she was driving into the alleyway behind the Daily Courier building when she struck 83-year-old Julie Gillespie.
During the February 11th sentencing at the Kelowna Courthouse, Judge Ellen Burdett noted that Gillespie was struck, dragged under the car for a short distance, and then the car ran over her. Scott drove away that morning and failed to stay at the scene of the crime and during her testimony said she did not see Gillespie.
An emotional Scott gave a final statement during her sentencing saying how sorry she was for all the heartache she caused. Through tears Scott asked for forgiveness one day from Sean Patrick, Gillespie’s life partner, as well as her previous supervisor.
Under the BC Motor Vehicle Act it states that Scott could have faced a fine of not more than $2,000, but Crown and Councel both agreed due to Scott’s financial instability she would be unable to pay the fine.
A three month driving prohibition was asked for by Crown. Councel for Scott asked Burdett to reconsider the three month driving prohibition because without a license Scott would be unable to get from her West Kelowna home to her community service, or even a potential job.
Burdett however said that the driving prohibition was warranted and that Scott has her son and neighbours who have said they are willing to help out Scott when need be.
Gillespie’s partner Sean Patrick was in the courtroom during the sentencing.
Burdett read a letter from Patrick saying that he planned to spend the rest of his life with Gillespie, and after her passing he withdrew from friends and family and was anxious and angry.
Patrick moved out of the condo he shared with Gillespie because he couldn’t afford it and has since moved into low income housing. Patrick stated in his letter that he has forgiven Scott for what she did.
Scott stood and through tears nodded her head to the sentence given by Burdett.
She must complete her 20 hours of work service by June 30th.
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