Man convicted after fatal impaired driving crash receives two years for gun charge

While responding, police heard reports of gunshots and officers soon after observed the suspect vehicle leaving the area.

A traffic stop was performed outside a residence in the 300 Block of River Street West. Shortly after, police located a loaded, sawed-off shotgun and ammunition. There was one live round found in the gun and one spent round.

No one was injured in the incident.

Courtney’s previous conviction

In late January 2013, Courtney received a nearly two-year jail sentence for his role in the May 2012 collision that killed community figure Ben Darchuk. The head-on crash happened about nine kilometres north of the city.

Noting this was the only conviction on Courtney’s record and how he has not had any trouble since, legal aid lawyer Julia Quigley explained Courtney has been ostracized within the community. She noted he’s been subjected to death threats, constant aggression at public places and alleged he’s been treated unfairly by correctional staff relating to eligibility for certain programs and a privacy breach.

“That sentence he continues to serve,” she said, adding pre-existing issues with addictions escalated after the conviction. Courtney was also diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

In relation to his experiences while in custody, a complaint was filed to the provincial ombudsmen.

Quigley added in 2016, while walking home after a house party, Courtney was jumped by four people and as a result of that attack sustained 15-20 stitches to his head and lost vision in one eye.

When given the opportunity to speak, Courtney stood and said the incident in late 2021, should never have happened.

“I honestly regret it every single day because it’s kind of tearing me away from my family and it endangered a lot of people. It was just stupid,” he said. “I can say it’s never gonna happen again.”

As part ot her submission, Quigley recommended Courtney serve a part of his sentence in Grande Cache or at a healing lodge. She also noted that upon his release, he plans to leave Prince Albert to get away from the negative community dynamics.

Accepting the recommendations, and noting Grand Cache’s reputation for rehabilitation programming, Judge Gerald Morin acknowledged he was aware of Courtney’s past.

“For those people who don’t realize what ostracization is, I think you’ve learned the hard way what happens in a small town when those types of things occur. It plays havoc on you and I think it has,” he said.

While also acknowledging Courtney’s family support, Morin reminded Courtney he is an adult and needs to take responsibility for his actions.

“Nobody changes you, but you,” he said. “What matters is what you are going to do. That’s the major issue and that’s what you’ve got to live with.”

Following completion of the two-year prison sentence which may still be served at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, Courtney will be prohibited from owning or possessing any guns or explosives for a period of 10 years.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Man convicted after fatal impaired driving crash receives two years for gun charge

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