Crown seeks 23-year sentence, delayed parole for driver who killed woman, 3 kids in Brampton crash

The prosecution in the case of a driver who killed a mother and her three young daughters in a Brampton crash two years ago is asking for a sentence of 23 years, minus about three years spent in custody while waiting for a trial.

In November, Brady Robertson, 21, was convicted in the death of Karolina Ciasullo, 37 and her daughters – Klara, 6, Lilianna, 3, and Mila, 1 — in a crash on June 18, 2020.

In a sentencing hearing on Monday, Crown attorney Patrick Quilty said the call for a longer sentence is in keeping with the changes brought in by bill C-46 that increased sentences for driving offences.

He also said that allowing Robertson to be eligible for parole in five or six years is not enough of a deterrent for his behaviour. He instead asked to delay parole eligibility for 10 years or until Robertson serves half his sentence, whichever is less, given the gravity of the offence.

Quilty also asked for a lifetime driving ban to be imposed.

Robertson’s lawyer Craig Bottomley suggested a prison term of seven years was appropriate, arguing that a “crushing sentence” is not necessary for a “youthful” first offender.

He also added that the time Robertson has spent in custody has been “a nightmare” during which he was not given adequate or consistent medical care. Bottomley argued that these should be mitigating factors during sentencing as well as Robertson’s good behaviour in custody and his expression of “palpable remorse.”

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Robertson chose to speak on Monday, apologizing for his “selfish, reckless action [that] has left a trail of destruction.”

“I wish every time I close my eyes and sleep that the recurring dream I have was true — that I died and they lived,” he said in court. “I am 100 per cent responsible for this and I take complete accountability.”

Robertson previously pleaded guilty to four counts of dangerous driving causing death in connection with the crash.

He pleaded not guilty to four counts of operation while impaired by drugs causing death and his lawyer filed a constitutional challenge of Canada’s law setting out a legal limit for THC blood concentration when driving.

During trial, Ontario Court Justice Sandra Caponecchia found Robertson had a blood THC concentration of 40 nanograms of THC per millilitre of blood about 45 minutes after the crash — eight times the legal limit.

The constitutional challenge was rejected earlier this month, meaning Robertson has been found guilty of impaired driving and sentencing submissions can now proceed on all charges.

Arguments will continue to be heard on Tuesday and a ruling is expected on May 16.

With files from The Canadian Press