By Lasia Kretzel

Man charged in orange zone death misunderstood rights: lawyer

Oct 21, 2014 | 2:58 PM

The man accused of hitting and killing a flag person in an orange zone two years ago has pleaded not guilty and seems to be using the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in his defense.

 
Keith Dunford, 46, entered his plea in Weyburn Court of Queen’s Bench on Friday. The Regina man is being charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
 
In August 2012, Ashley Dawn Richards, 18, was hit and killed by a vehicle while working her first day on the job as a flag person in a work zone on Highway 39 near Midale.
 
Dunford was charged in October 2012.
 
Radio station CFSL in Weyburn reported that Dunford’s lawyer argued that Dunford was too distraught over what had happened to fully comprehend his rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; specifically the right to remain silent, and the right to have a lawyer present.
 
Dunford’s trial is set for June.
 
Richards’ death prompted calls for more safety in Saskatchewan orange zones. Soon after her death, Premier Brad Wall announced a tripling of fines in orange zones and photo radar was implemented in work zones. Soon photo radar will be used for around a dozen highways in Saskatchewan.

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