By CHAT News Today

Michell to be sentenced June 6

Mar 14, 2018 | 2:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Emotions ran high in Medicine Hat provincial court during the sentencing hearing for a man who pleaded guilty following a pair of hit and run collisions that killed an 18-year-old woman last year.

The sentencing hearing for Cody Michell taking place Wednesday afternoon in Medicine Hat provincial court. The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing death, possession of stolen property, attempting to disarm a police officer, and two counts of hit and run.

The judge will consider the submissions, and a final decision will be made on June 6.

During the hearing, victim impact statements were read by Angela and Edward Passmore, whose daughter Cerys was killed in one of the collisions.

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“My life has changed forever,” said Angela, holding back tears. “Even today I can’t believe she is really gone.”

“I as a person will never be the same again,” Edward told the court.

Michell, who was appearing in court via CCTV, appeared to be listening and attentive when the statements were read.

Michell was arrested on September 11 after a truck and trailer were stolen from a home on Bassett Crescent Northwest. The truck was travelling at a high rate of speed on 12th Street Northeast, when it struck a minivan outside Crescent Heights High School. The occupants of the minivan suffered minor injuries.

The truck continued on 12th Street and struck a Toyota Camry on Parkview Drive. Cerys, who was driving the Camry, was pronounced dead at the scene. Michell was taken into custody following the second collision.

He pleaded guilty in November.

The Crown is seeking eight to 10 years in prison.

Greg White, the lawyer representing Michell, is seeking 33 months in prison, after credit for time served is factored in. 

White told the court following assessment reports, Michell was determined to have an IQ between 40 and 58, and can’t read or write. 

Michell did have help writing a letter to the family, which was read out loud in court. He started by say ing he was “very sorry for the pain he caused,” adding he knows there’s nothing he can say for the pain the entire family is feeling.

Michell was previously scheduled to be sentenced on February 15 and March 1, but the case was adjourned both times.