Senior who killed 8-year-old sentenced in London, Ont. court room

Petronella McNorgan is seen leaving the London courthouse in June 2021. (CTV News file image)

Inside a packed courtroom, in London, Ont. 79-year-old Petronella McNorgan was sentenced to two years house arrest, followed by three years of probation, and a five-year driving prohibition.

Before reading the sentence, Justice Hebner said she (McNorgan) has done this one horrific thing that can not go unpunished.

After reviewing details from the horrific night in November 2021, Hebner listed the names of the injured, detailing their injuries and the child who lost her life in the crash.

Hebner reviewed expert evidence heard during the trial, saying this was a “case of pedal misapplication.”

Although McNorgan’s apology was sincere, Hebner was struck by the fact that McNorgan never acknowledged that she did this, she spoke of what happened as opposed to what she did.

“The apology of Mrs. McNorgan does not accept responsibility for her actions,” said Hebner.

According to Hebner, the offenders actions on that night have had a profound impact on those families, and read parts of various victim impact statements heard during the court proceedings, including that from the 8-year-old victim’s mother, brother and father.

The justice also read portions of letter of support for McNorgan, written by her friends and family, saying “she has made a positive impact on the people around her.”

Throughout the sentencing, Hebner stressed that a lack of remorse from McNorgan has exacerbated the impact of this tragedy on the families.

McNorgan’s husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, and says he heavily relies on his wife for care.

Taking into account her age, the fact that she is a cancer survivor, and that she is the primary caregiver for her husband.

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.

In April, McNorgan was found guilty of one count of criminal negligence causing death and seven counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

The Crown Attorney James Spangenberg had asked 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.