Testimony of drug use highlights impaired driving causing death trial
There was emotional testimony on Monday from the husband of the woman killed in a crash in south London, Ont. almost four years ago.
Paul Kay testified about the last moments in the life of his 68-year-old wife, Penny.
Kay had been driving north along Highbury Avenue on Oct. 7, 2019 when a grey Hyundai sedan crossed the median and struck his Ford SUV head-on.
“It just happened instantaneously,” said Kay. “There was a loud bang and a white flash.”
Kay said when he turned to his wife she wasn’t breathing, “I watched to see if her chest was rising up and down.”
Kay told the court he is still dealing with injuries he suffered in the crash. He said he suffered a broken shoulder, eight broken ribs, internal injuries and a broken lower back.
After police arrived at the scene they arrested and charged Shawn Norris, 61.
Shawn Norris leaves the London, Ont. courthouse on June 5, 2023. (Nick Paparella/CTV News London)
At the start of the trial he pleaded not guilty to four charges including impaired driving by drugs causing death and careless driving causing death.
Earlier during the proceedings, Norris’ former partner testified and she told the court that the accused would frequently use her prescription drugs.
“I know he used prescription medications like Percocet and oxycodone,” said Christine Flint. “He really didn’t care he used my medications like they were his own.”
Flint told the court that on the day of the crash Norris was on his way to London from St. Thomas, Ont. to pick up methadone.
She said before he left Norris ingested quite a bit of her medications.
Dash cam video captured the crash and was submitted as evidence.
It shows a grey sedan crossing the median and crashing into an SUV in the middle of the day almost four years ago.
The trial resumes Tuesday and is expected to last the rest of the week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.