A young man who pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death after a crash claimed the lives of a Red Deer couple will spend the next 2.3 years in jail.
An agreed statement of facts shows 24-year-old Chad Olsen was travelling 85 kilometres an hour in a 60-kilometre zone when he went through a red light, slamming into a small car. The crash happened in Red Deer in February of 2010. The court his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
Thirty-four-year-old Brad and 35-year-old Krista Howe left behind five children, three of their own and a niece and nephew they were raising.
The Crown wanted a sentence of a year longer than what was given.
"There is a message, I don't think it's as strong as the message we wanted to send. The message needs to get out there that drinking and driving is selfish and stupid," said Crown prosecutor Anders Quist.
As part of Olsen's sentencing in court, he heard the impact of his actions. The couple's youngest child, Molly, asking the question of her deceased parents, "How is heaven? I miss you a lot, love Molly."
Olsen broke down when was allowed to speak. It was the first time the family of his victims ever heard from him.
"I would like to apologize for the pain and suffering I have caused," he said. "I don't know if you will ever forgive me for what I have done. I know I will never forgive myself."
The Crown would not comment on whether there would be an appeal on the sentence length for Olsen.
The couple's children are being cared for by Krista's sister.
"Children really live in the moment and that's really helping me and I have to get up for them, so I do," said Karla Green.
Olsen is also banned from driving for five years following his release from jail.
With files from David Ewasuk
