(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Multi-vehicle crash near Crutwell results in 18 month jail sentence

Dec 14, 2023 | 1:00 PM

A woman responsible for causing a multi-vehicle crash west of Prince Albert has received an 18-month jail sentence.

Lisa Smith, 37, appeared Thursday at Provincial Court via video from the Pine Grove Correctional Centre. Concerning the events that occurred on June 28, guilty pleas were entered to dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failure to remain at the scene of an accident and obstruction.

Guilty pleas were also entered to multiple other charges relating to failing to report and a vehicle theft that occurred the same day.

The crash happened at the Crutwell turnoff and a total of three vehicles were involved.

RCMP confirmed two people were taken to hospital but their injuries were described as non-life threatening. According to facts read in court by Crown Prosecutor Kristen Clark, both victims suffered broken wrists and a 66-year-old woman also complained of leg pain.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

12h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

12h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

13h ago

Smith had been driving a vehicle that belonged to her sister and she did not have permission to take the keys. Following the crash, she attempted to leave the scene and when arrested by police, provided a false name.

Multiple witnesses driving on the highway at the time recalled for paNOW memories of seeing the vehicle travel at a very fast rate of speed and crossing the centre line. This was again confirmed on Thursday, as Clarke described Smith driving into oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles off the road.

The case had initially been scheduled for trial on Dec. 18, and defence lawyer Dale Blenner-Hassett stated the guilty plea saved the witnesses the emotional stress that comes with testifying. He also stated Smith had no other dangerous convictions on her record.

“This certainly was not an intention to cause harm to anyone,” he said.

At the time of the crash, it was initially believed Smith was impaired, however, upon being tested by police, it was determined she was sober. Blenner-Hassett did however note Smith had been drinking since 12 and using harder drugs since 18.

“She noted her addictions get her into trouble,” he said. “She’s a lot stronger in her mind and her views now.”

When asked in court if she had anything to say. Smith, paused for a few moments and then said no.

With credit for time spent in remand, Smith has roughly 10 months left to serve. Following her release from custody, she’ll be on probation for 12 months which includes abiding by a curfew for the first six months, and 75 hours of community service. She’s also prohibited from driving for three years.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell