Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 20, 2009 10:00 AM
A Vernon man has entered two guilty pleas in connection with the death of a Vernon cab driver in April 2008. Dallas Parker Smithson, 19, pleaded guilty in Vernon Provincial Court to impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm Monday, on what was to the be first day of his trial, in relation to a motor-vehicle accident that killed Vernon Taxi driver Howard Collins on April 20, 2008. Smithson, who appeared in court in a suit, bowed his head as his lawyer, Grant Gray, entered the guilty pleas. Smithson had been facing five charges in connection with the accident, which also injured a passenger in Collins’ cab. A pre-sentence report has been ordered and a sentencing date will likely be set for September. Collins was killed shortly after 3 a.m. when an SUV is believed to have run a stop sign at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and 20th Street and broadsided Collins’ cab.Members of Collins’ family, Smithson’s family and Vernon Taxi employees filled Vernon Provincial Courtroom #201 for Monday’s proceedings.
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