A Calgary man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for driving a U-Haul truck over his wife in a horrific act of domestic violence.
The incident occurred in October 2019, when the man, whose name has not been released to protect the identity of the victim, got into an argument with his wife. The argument escalated to the point where the man got into a U-Haul truck and drove over his wife, causing severe injuries.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a broken pelvis, broken ribs, and internal bleeding. She spent several weeks in the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries to repair the damage caused by the truck.
The man was arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. He pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2020.
During the sentencing hearing, the court heard victim impact statements from the victim and her family, detailing the physical and emotional trauma they have endured as a result of the attack. The victim’s sister described her as a “shell of her former self” and said that she will never be the same again.
The Crown prosecutor argued for a sentence of 18 years, while the defense asked for a sentence of 10 years. In the end, the judge sentenced the man to 15 years in prison, citing the severity of the crime and the need for deterrence in cases of domestic violence.
In addition to the prison sentence, the man will also be subject to a lifetime firearms ban and will be required to provide a DNA sample for the national database.
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many individuals and families. It is important for victims to know that they are not alone and that there are resources available to help them. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to a local support organization or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
