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Sentence Higher than Recommendations for Fatal Collision

Apr 4, 2016 | 11:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A sentencing last week ended with an individual being taken into custody, while punching the courthouse walls and screaming.

The eruption came after Jason Joseph Miller was handed a sentence of 22-months in custody for dangerous driving causing death, a sentence that was far higher than the Crown and defence suggestions of 12 and nine-months respectively.

Through an agreed statement of facts, Miller admitted that on February 3, 2014, he hit another vehicle head-on while travelling on Highway 845 near Picture Butte, killing 49-year old Kalvin Odland. At the time he was travelling between 37 and 58-kmh over the posted speed limit, and was under the influence of cocaine.

Miller was also given 12-months for dangerous driving causing bodily injury, as another person was injured in the collision. That time will be served concurrently to the 22-month sentence. In addition to the jail time, a two year driving prohibition will also kick-in after his release.