My son David was a beloved son, father, brother, grandson and uncle, whose life was taken in a violent and brutal senseless act. But the sentence his killer received shows the urgent need for greater accountability and proportionality in cases where a life has been lost.

I started this petition as David’s mother because the sentence imposed — 300 hours of community service for culpable homicide (Manslaughter) — does not reflect the seriousness of the crime and what this individual did to my son, or the irreversible loss of my son. Which I had to watch on CCTV frame by frame during trial. It sends a deeply troubling message about how the justice system values a human life. (No parent should ever have to endure watching their child being killed, feeling helpless and guilty of not being their to protect him, yet having to watch it)  

The individual was found guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter) in connection with David’s death and received this sentence. The Crown has since appealed the decision on the basis that it is unduly lenient, a legal safeguard intended to ensure sentencing properly reflects the gravity of an offence and maintains public confidence in the justice system.

For our family, the sentence has been devastating. I feel as though David has been let down and that the punishment failed to recognise the harm caused or the life that was taken. No sentence can bring my son back, but justice must still be meaningful.

A non-custodial sentence for an offence that resulted in death is extremely rare. Most culpable homicide convictions result in significant custodial sentences, making this outcome highly exceptional and deeply concerning.

This case has raised serious questions about whether the current sentencing adequately reflects the seriousness of causing another person’s death, and whether families can have confidence that justice will be done.

I am therefore calling for:

• Full and transparent consideration of the Crown’s appeal, to ensure justice is properly examined.
• Sentencing outcomes that reflect the seriousness of taking a life, and the lasting impact on families left behind.
• Greater accountability in cases of culpable homicide, so public confidence in the justice system is upheld.

Please add your name to this petition to support the appeal and help ensure that the loss of my son is met with justice that truly reflects the seriousness of what has happened.

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