Driver in deadly pedestrian crash that claimed college student's life receives conditional sentence
A 20-year-old man who was behind the wheel of a speeding car that struck and killed an international student in Barrie last summer pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death on Tuesday but will not spend any time behind bars.
Jacob Throop stood in a Barrie courtroom Tuesday and pleaded guilty for his actions on the night of July 21, 2023, with family and friends in attendance, along with the victim's family.
The court heard, through an Agreed Statement of Facts, that Varsil Patel died of his injuries after being hit by a heavily modified Subaru driven by Throop. The court learned Throop was not fully licenced to drive at the time, and that he had been convicted of speeding and having improper window tint 10 days before the deadly crash.
Patel, originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, was studying computer programming at Georgian College at the time of the collision. He was 19.
The Crown described to the court a broken family devastated by Patel's sudden death, saying his parents feel regret over sending their only son to Barrie to attend school, adding they can't help but question 'what if?'
The court heard Throop was speeding between 105 to 130 kilometres per hour along Big Bay Point Road, a designated community safety zone with a posted 50km/h limit when it struck Patel as he crossed the street on his way to work at the Circle K.
"Your vehicle is not a toy or to be used for sport on public roadways," the prosecution stated.
The Crown also told the court the vehicle's headlights or brake lights weren't on before the crash.
The vehicle, registered to Throop's mother, was found to have third-party modifications to its steering wheel, seats, chrome-tinted windows and exhaust that an expert said were poorly done.
The defence conceded that Throop exhibited "selfish behaviour by driving that speed" and told the court that the young man felt "extreme remorse" for his actions that resulted in the "horrible, horrible tragedy."
"Day in and day out, he lives with this guilt that he's ruined and broken the Patel family," the defence continued. "He wishes he was the one who died instead of Mr. Patel."
Throop addressed the court and apologized to Patel's family. "I hope that one day you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me," he told them.
The defence sought a two-year less-a-day conditional sentence that included a GPS monitor and a three-year probation with community service.
In contrast, the Crown sought 30 months behind bars and an additional five-year driving ban. He has been prohibited from driving since the crash.
On Tuesday afternoon, Justice Nancy Dawson handed Throop a conditional sentence to be served in the community.
The 20-year-old Barrie man was sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest with community service and probation. He is also banned from driving for another two years and nine months.
Patel's parents travelled overseas to be in the Barrie courtroom for sentencing and said they felt wronged by the judge's decision.
"I came from India to Canada for my son's justice, but I'm not happy," said Patel's father, Narendra Patel.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sinclair family shares heartfelt message ahead of memorial service
Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.
Abuse, harassment and suicide: Report finds anti-Black racism exists at highest levels of federal government
A government-funded report released to CTV News highlights 'systemic racism' against dozens of Black executives within the federal public service, including allegations of abuse, violence and harassment that, in some instances, led to suicide.
Trump on Day 1: Begin deportation push, pardon Jan. 6 rioters and make his criminal cases vanish
Donald Trump has said he wouldn’t be a dictator — 'except for Day 1.' According to his own statements, he's got a lot to do on that first day in the White House.
Liberals to face third test in federal byelection in British Columbia next month
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.
King Charles III and Kate attend remembrance events as both slowly return to duty
King Charles III led the nation Sunday in a two-minute silence in remembrance of fallen service personnel in central London as the Princess of Wales looked on, a further sign the royal family is slowly returning to normal at the end of a year in which two of the most popular royals were sidelined by cancer.
Cornwall, Ont. prepares for potential influx of asylum seekers following U.S. election
As the possibility of mass deportations looms following Donald Trump's re-election on Tuesday, border towns like the City of Cornwall are preparing for a potential influx of asylum seekers.
‘Feeling of dread’ spreads across U.S. federal workforce as second Trump term looms
Much of the U.S. federal workforce is on edge and bracing itself for the likelihood its ranks will be purged when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Sarnia, Ont. police make 'high-risk' arrests, charge 3 with kidnapping
On Friday, the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) received a report of an alleged abduction in the area of Kathleen Avenue and Walnut Avenue.
Canadian delegation 'overwhelmed' by visit to Great War battlefields
It's been a trip to cherish for a group of Canadians visiting Belgium this week to honour the legacy of Indigenous soldiers.