Matthew and Ashley Klassen's victim impact statements were read during a pre-sentence report for the man who injured them while driving impaired. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

By Teena Monteleone

Crown recommends jail sentence for driver

‘You cannot see the pain we endure every day’: impaired driving victim

Oct 13, 2020 | 5:27 PM

Ashley Klassen’s life changed in the blink of an eye. One minute, she and her husband Matthew were on their way to a Roughriders game from their home in Christopher Lake and the next, she was in hospital, in a coma.

Through a victim impact statement read by Crown prosecutor Keith Amyotte in Prince Albert Provincial Court Tuesday, Klassen said: “The physical disabilities make me feel less of a person. I had to learn to walk on my own and to eat on my own. My son was afraid of me because of all the tubes.”

She suffered a head injury, internal bleeding, strokes, had to have half of her intestine removed, and is left with a weak right side, limited mobility and trouble speaking. She was hospitalized for five months after she and her husband’s vehicle was hit on Highway 2 last November by an impaired driver. The crash occurred 10 km north of Prince Albert.

“I can’t fully forgive you yet. I hope you understand all of our choices have consequences in life,” she said.

August Ermine Bates, 21, had a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit at the time of the collision. In July, he pleaded guilty to one count of impaired driving causing bodily harm and one count of having a blood alcohol content over 0.08 causing bodily harm.

Murder mystery

St. Mary drama club unravels world's ultimate whodunit

A few moments ago

BDO Debt Solutions

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Bank: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Holiday

23h ago

RPCN Artist

'Felt like a movie': Chris Chipak making waves in the art world

23h ago

He listened to the victim impact statements and facts from the pre-sentence report in court with his mother and girlfriend.

“Our lives changed forever,” Matt Klassen said in his statement, also read by Amyotte. “I could see flames coming from the engine. My door wouldn’t open. I looked at Ashley and knew I had to get her out.”

Matthew also suffered significant injuries including a fractured hip.

“You cannot see the pain we endure every day,” he wrote.

Victim impact statements from both of the victims’ mothers were also read to Judge Hugh Harradence before the Crown recommended a jail sentence of two years less a day followed by a four-year driving prohibition.

Ermine Bates turned 21 the day after the crash last year. Court heard he has since received outpatient counselling and is a working member of society. His lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr. pointed out his client entered guilty pleas early in the proceedings and has no prior record.

“He can’t turn back time. He wishes he could,” Abrametz said. “He is doing the right thing to the extent that he can.”

In his sentencing, the judge may also consider Gladue factors including racism Ermine Bates experienced in school.

When given the opportunity to address the court, Ermine Bates apologized to the Klassens.

“All I can say is I’m sorry. What I did was a terrible, terrible thing. I can’t imagine how it impacted you. I don’t seek forgiveness, but I am sorry,” he said.

Judge Harradence reserved his decision and adjourned the sentencing to Oct. 22.

—

Teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow