Sentencing date set for man who killed Sask. conservation officer

The man who killed a 23-year-old Saskatchewan conservation officer made a brief appearance in Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday.

Blaine Thomas Taypotat, 35, was in court so that a date could be set for sentencing. He pleaded guilty in December to manslaughter and drunk driving causing the death of Justin Knackstedt.

Knackstedt had been on his way to Blackstrap Provincial Park on May 31, 2013 when he pulled over to help RCMP direct traffic around an accident scene.

Officers approached Taypotat’s SUV at the checkpoint after being notified about a similar vehicle seen driving erratically nearby.

Taypotat tried to speed off, striking and killing Knackstedt in the process. He kept driving towards Saskatoon, eventually flipping the truck near the outskirts of the city before being arrested.

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In Monday’s hearing, Taypotat’s lawyer asked for time to have a Gladue report put together ahead of sentencing.

The reports can be used ahead of bail hearings and sentencings in cases with an aboriginal defendant. They are meant to encourage community-based alternatives to prison. Judges do have discretion to overlook the reports if they deem the offence serious enough.

Taypotat will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 8, 2015.

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