A young woman has received her sentence for killing a man at a house party in Alliston in 2012.
Steve Garnier’s family stormed out of a Barrie courtroom after the young woman who killed him was effectively sentenced to one more year behind bars on Monday. The young woman sat quietly in the prisoner’s box as she learned her fate.
The young woman was 17-years-old when she stabbed Garnier in the chest with an 8” kitchen knife on June 23, 2012. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
“I am satisfied with it. It's a youth sentence,” says defence lawyer Jeff Hershberg. “She received the maximum youth sentence allowed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which is seven years in jail.”
The maximum jail time allowed in her case is four years. She has already served three and will do one more year behind bars. The final three years will be served in the community.
As she walked out of the courtroom, Garnier’s mother could be heard shouting "one year for destroying my family!"
In handing down the sentence, the judge said “I am impressed with her progress," but added "I am not satisfied she is ready to be released into the community."
The Crown wanted an adult sentence of life in prison, with no chance of parole for 10 years.
The young offender will serve her remaining year behind bars at the Vanier Centre for Women in Milton. After that she will be released under very strict conditions for three years.
