By James Bowler

Impaired driver sentenced to nearly 2 years for fatal crash

Jan 30, 2013 | 10:00 AM

The impaired driver in the May 2012 collision that killed community figure Ben Darchuk was sentenced to jail Wednesday in Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Tanner Courtney, 22, was sentenced to two years less a day to be served in a provincial correctional facility. He was also handed a three-year driving prohibition and ordered to pay a $100 federal surcharge.

Courtney pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death last October.

Members of the Darchuk and Courtney family's were teary-eyed during the final moments before the decision.

The judge first outlined the facts what had happened in Darchuk’s final moments, how Courtney had been found to be under the influence of alcohol and just coming down off a cocaine high.

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A witness had seen Courtney weaving in and out of lanes on Hwy 2, almost as though he seemed to be falling asleep, the witness recounted.

The judge then went over the references written in support of the young Courtney, how he had always showed promise, he had spent time with cadets – he had a bright future ahead of him. A statement about how Courtney was remorseful about the accident was also read.

The judge then compared Courtney’s case to other similar cases and charges that had been handed down.

Following the sentence a few tears and hugs were exchanged amongst the friends and family of Courtney but in Darchuk’s family, only silence and tears.

Courtney was taken into custody after the sentence was handed down.

The family of Ben Darchuk declined to comment on the sentencing at this time.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim