The driver who caused a serious car accident near Tracadie Cross, PEI, last summer was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Tuesday, but his sentence will not end there.
After serving his sentence, 27-year-old Edwin Jos will be deported to India.
He was at the PEI on a postgraduate work permit, but because of the seriousness of this crime, he is no longer entitled to remain in the country he wanted to call home.
Last July, the court heard that Jos was driving at high speeds on a 7-mile (12-kilometer) stretch of Route 2 northeast of Charlottetown.
Witnesses told police he tailgated, took dangerous risks and even attempted to overtake on the shoulder of the road.
Jos was overtaking a double line on a bend when he collided head-on with a vehicle carrying a man and his two daughters, aged 10 and 13. The girls had been picking berries in a local field and their father had come to collect them.
Both girls suffered broken bones and lacerations. The 10-year-old was flown to Halifax where she underwent four hours of surgery. Jos was also flown to Halifax with serious injuries.
Application for house arrest denied
In Charlottetown Provincial Court on Tuesday, Judge Nancy Orr denied the defense’s house arrest request.
Orr said the family, who are on trial over the conviction, are still trying to cope with the trauma.
For 12 kilometers, it posed a significant and very real danger to anyone using the Autobahn at the time. There is no explanation. – Judge Nancy Orr
According to a victim statement, the father suffered a concussion and is now struggling with memory loss. The 13-year-old saw the car coming and braced herself. She’s nervous in the car now.
Orr said everyone on the freeway that day was in danger because of Jos.
“It was 5 p.m. as people drove home from work on one of the busiest roads in this province, particularly with tourists returning in mid-July following COVID,” she said
“For 12 kilometers it posed a significant and very real danger to anyone using the Autobahn at the time. There is no explanation.”
Asks for forgiveness
Jos couldn’t explain it himself. According to a report before the verdict, the young man admitted he was “speeding and driving crazy,” but said he didn’t know why. Drugs or alcohol didn’t matter. He has no history.
“I deeply regret my actions,” he said in court on Tuesday. “I take full responsibility, although I don’t remember it. I’m all sorry for the suffering and trauma I’ve caused. I beg your forgiveness for that.”
Orr said the incident was “long-lasting and intentional” and was not an accident. There will be consequences beyond his incarceration, she noted.
“Mr Jos will suffer significant collateral damage. He will be deported. That ends his plan to start a new life and make Canada his home.”
