Bernard McCallum was the driver and lone occupant of this truck. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Fatal high speed crash results in community-based sentence

Mar 24, 2026 | 12:55 PM

A man responsible for a high speed crash in Prince Albert that resulted in the death of a local senior, will be allowed to serve his 18-month sentence in the community.

Bernard McCallum appeared Tuesday morning at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert. The case had been scheduled for a four day trial but instead the 24-year-old entered a guilty plea to dangerous driving.

He had initially been charged with dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

On the afternoon of June 11, 2024, 83-year-old Iris Prokopie was behind the wheel of a four-door sedan at the intersection of Sixth Ave. and 22 Street East.

While attempting to turn left onto 22nd Street, her vehicle was struck at a high rate of speed by a northbound truck. The impact sent the smaller vehicle onto the curb of a nearby gas station. About a week and a half later, Prokopie died in hospital.

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Court proceedings

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Crown Prosecutor Keith Amyotte stated McCallum, who was travelling at twice the legal speed limit, only had a learner’s permit and was the sole occupant of the truck.

Amyotte also explained had the case gone to trial there would have been a number of challenges for the Crown’s case including evidentiary issues related to causation and inconsistencies with statements.

“This has been a true joint submission,” he said, adding there was lots of give and take by both sides. 

Amyotte stated both parties had the right of way and McCallum’s unexpected high rate of speed would have been difficult for Prokopie to respond to and take corrective action.

Defence lawyer Ron Piche stated McCallum was deeply remorseful and is very aware of the fact his actions resulted in a woman’s death.

“Bernard lives that everyday,” he said.

Piche also confirmed McCallum has not incurred any further charges and does not have a criminal record. There was also no alcohol or drugs involved.

When offered the opportunity to address the court and members of the victim’s family who sat in the front row of the gallery, the soft spoken McCallum expressed his condolences and said he was sorry.

One he completes his conditional sentence order, which includes both a curfew and 200 hours of community service, McCallum will be prohibited from driving for a period of two years.

Accepting the joint submission that was presented, Justice Jon Morrall noted he has lived in the city for a very long time, and is very familiar with the intersection where the crash occurred. He said for McCallum to be travelling at that rate of speed and during that time of day was extremely dangerous.

“And extremely stupid,” he said.

Acknowledging McCallum’s verbal remorse, Morrall reminded him real remorse will come from taking steps to ensure this never happens again.

“You’re gonna have to live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell