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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.