Jaskirat Singh Sidhu has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
The sentence was handed down to the 30-year-old in Saskatchewan Provincial Court today.
Judge Inez Cardinal told the court that Sidhu’s remorse and guilty plea were mitigating factors, but she had to consider the number of people who were killed or seriously injured in the crash.
The truck driver ran a stop sign at a rural Saskatchewan intersection and hit the Humboldt Broncos team bus on April 6, 2018.
Sixteen people on the bus, which was heading to a playoff game in Nipawin, were killed and another 13 were injured, many with life changing physical trauma.
Sidhu pleaded guilty earlier this year to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The Crown was looking for a 10-year prison sentence, while the defence said other cases suggest a range of 1.5 to 4.5 years.
“This past year has been extremely difficult. Having this legal matter settled and the sentencing complete is a big step in the healing process for the survivors, grieving families, our organization and the community of Humboldt and surrounding area,” said Jamie Brockman, Humboldt Broncos president.
“The sentence is subject to varying opinions but what is important is that Mr. Sidhu plead guilty, has shown remorse and has remained accountable for his careless actions.”
On Wednesday, Toronto lawyer Lorne Waldman said that Sidhu will likely be deported to India after he serves his sentence.
Sidhu will have the right to make a submission to immigration authorities before the deportation proceedings were to begin, but Waldman says it would be a long shot.
With files from the Canadian Press.
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