Petronella McNorgan apologizes to those involved in deadly crash
Petronella McNorgan publicly apologized Friday to the victims and their families who were involved in the horrific crash that killed one child and injured seven others.
The 79-year-old retired teacher took the stand for the last time in this case and turned to those affected, saying, “Unfortunately that was a horrendously life changing day for each of you, your family and friends.”
McNorgan said, “I’m sorry and devastated for the pain and anguish which resulted from this tragedy.”
She went on to say, “The fact that children were hurt and [someone] died are painful realities that will stay with me forever…I’m truly sorry for what you have endured and what you will continue to endure.”
For those involved like Kelli Norton, who was a Girl Guide leader on the night of the crash, the apology was late, “We’ve waited a long time, it could have come sooner.”
It was on Nov. 30, 2021 that McNorgan’s speeding and out of control SUV jumped the curb along Riverside Drive near Wonderland Road, striking a group of Girl Guides.
An 8-year-old girl, who cannot be identified, was killed and seven others were injured.
Norton was one of the leaders that night who testified at the trial.
Outside the courthouse, she said, “We were out for a walk that night on the sidewalk, we had every business to be there and her car had absolutely no business to be there as well.”
In April, McNorgan was found guilty of one count of criminal negligence causing death and seven counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
During the two-day sentencing hearing, Crown Attorney James Spangenberg said he was asking the judge that McNorgan serve a four-year prison sentence.
However, defence lawyer Phil Millar requested that she receive three years probation along with community service and a driving prohibition.
Millar read out 57 letters of support for McNorgan, claiming that she is not a threat to society.
However Justice Pamela Hebner replied, ”I think the community would think otherwise…if she gets behind the wheel again.”
The judge is expected to hand down her sentencing decision on the case on Aug. 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Killer who stabbed victim 'at least 52 times' dies in B.C. prison
A 72-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for a brutal murder that happened in Chilliwack in 2016 has died, according to the Correctional Service of Canada.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Beirut strike, Israel's military says
Israel said Saturday that it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, dealing its most significant blow to the Lebanese militant group after months of fighting. There was no immediate confirmation from Hezbollah.
They hit it off on vacation but then he went silent. So she decided to pick up the phone
When a few weeks passed and Nana Prempeh still hadn’t heard from the guy she met on vacation, she turned to her friends for advice.
First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders say work lays ahead on road to reconciliation
The Liberal party of today is not quite the same as the one elected in 2015 promising to foster new paths and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples, the leaders of the three national Indigenous organizations said as they look ahead to the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday.
Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast
Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 44 people, snapping towering oaks like twigs and tearing apart homes as rescue crews launched desperate missions to save people from floodwaters.
Historians call it Canada's oldest standing indoor hockey arena. What's next for the Stannus Street Rink?
Windsor, N.S. has long-claimed to be the 'birthplace of hockey.' Local historians believe the game has roots in the town, located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
Walz has experience on a debate stage pinning down an abortion opponent's shifting positions
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz knows how to lean into abortion rights on the debate stage. He's done it before.
Scientists discover hidden ancient forest on treeless island
Trees haven't grown on the Falkland Islands for thousands of years. But tree trunks and branches preserved in peat suggest the islands were once home to a forest.
American woman gets SUV stuck in elevator bay at B.C. casino
A U.S. driver somehow squeezed her vehicle through a parkade hallway at a Metro Vancouver casino Thursday, before getting stuck at an elevator bank.