Jail Time For O'Brien

by Wayne Moore - Story: 23897Nov. 10, 2006 / 2:51 pm Castanet
A man convicted in the death of one officer and the injuring of another learned his fate Friday. Michael O'Brien, 25, was handed a seven year jail sentence. O'Brien was behind the wheel of a stolen pickup in November, 2004. The pickup slammed into an RCMP vehicle, killing Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely and seriously injuring RCMP Const. Frank Grenier. On Thursday in Vernon provincial court, O'Brien was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing injury. In handing down the sentence, Justice Alison Beames, gave O'Brien double credit for the nearly two years he has already spent behind bars. This means he'll spend about three-and-a-half years in jail. The prosecution in the case was asking for a six to nine year sentence while the defence sought a term of four to six years. O'Brien had admitted to driving the vehicle. He had pled guilty to the lesser charges of possession of stolen property and fleeing from police.

O'Brien Gets Seven Year Term
http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/ (Pete McIntyre)
A man convicted of causing the death of a Vernon auxiliary Mountie, and injuring another officer, has received a seven year prison sentence. Michael O'Brien, who showed no emotion at the decision, was given credit for 21 months already served in custody, meaning he'll be behind bars for three and a half more years.
The Crown had called for a six to nine year term, while the defence argued for four to six years. Just prior to sentencing, the 25 year old apologized to the families and people he had hurt by his actions.'I apologize to the families and people I have hurt with my selfish actions. It was an accident. I wish I could take it back and I'm sorry.' O'Brien was driving a stolen truck that crashed into an RCMP cruiser two years ago, killing Glen Evely and injuring Constable Frank Grenier. Afterwards, Grenier told the media, he felt justice was served but also said he felt the sentence should have been ten years, and he didn't believe O'Brien was genuine in his remorse. O'Brien's criminal record included a conviction for dangerous driving and various property crimes. Grenier and Evely's widow were both in the courtroom this morning , along with dozens of friends and co-workers of the victims. Prosecutor Paige Johnstone noted the deadly crash devasted the lives of Evely's wife and his twoyoung children along with the life of Grenier.
The injured constable saw his marriage fall apart as a result of the crash and the resulting brain and mobility injuries. He also lost his home and has not been able to return to police work.