Motorist, 70, jailed for dangerous driving in cyclist’s death

A 70-year-old man who admitted to dangerous driving in a cyclist’s death was sentenced to two years less a day in jail Thursday.

Philip Wasman of Ryley, Alta., was also prohibited from driving for three years after a collision that killed Allan Bruce Chappell in Strathcona County in May 2016.

Before being sentenced, Wasman stood and expressed remorse.

“I want to apologize for my wrongdoing,” he said.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by Crown prosecutor Alison Magill, Chappell’s wife, Bonnie, remembered her husband for his many passions and interests. The couple, married for 38 years with two children and grandchildren, loved to train dogs. Chappell was also an avid gardener, entertainer and baker.

“He loved any special occasion,” she wrote.

Chappell worked as a driver for Edmonton Transit Service for 30 years, and always kept a bag of hats and gloves on his bus for passengers in need.

His wife said it was “ironic” that a man who spent several hours a day navigating unsafe drivers on city streets was killed in this way.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Debra Yungwirth echoed the widow’s words, calling the death a “senseless, avoidable tragedy.”

Magill argued for a prison sentence of three years, while defence lawyer Greg Worobec urged the court to impose a 12-month sentence.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Wasman was travelling on Anthony Henday Drive around 6 p.m. May 20, 2016.

A witness observed him driving erratically in his 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, going well over the speed limit and weaving between lanes.

Chappell was riding his bike in the service lane and appeared to be crossing Highway 14 when he was struck, RCMP said at the time.

Wasman’s vehicle was travelling 160 km/h five seconds before the collision. Though he hit the brakes and attempted to move into the next lane, the vehicle pulled back to the left, striking Chappell. The car then travelled more than 100 metres before coming to rest in a ditch, court heard.

Several of Chappell’s family members and friends were in court Thursday for the sentencing.

In a written statement, they thanked the RCMP and Emergency Medical Services personnel who remained on the scene.

“We would also like to thank all the witnesses who remained on scene and those that took their valuable time to attend court proceedings,” the statement reads.