The family of a York Region police officer killed in the line of duty gave emotional testimony during a sentencing hearing Thursday in Newmarket, Ont.
In his victim impact statement, Dale Constable called his son-in-law Garrett Styles "the kindest father," adding that "the emotional and physical damage to our family is immeasurable."
In June 28, 2011, Const. Styles was standing beside a minivan during a traffic stop in East Gwillimbury, north of Toronto, when police say the vehicle suddenly accelerated and dragged him about 300 metres before losing control and rolling on top of him.
A teenage boy, who was too young to have a driver's license, was found guilty of first-degree murder and is facing up to life in prison.
The teen, who is now 19, was left a quadriplegic in the crash that killed Styles.
The Crown is asking for an "open custody" youth sentence, and is recommending MacMillan House in Milton, Ont., because it is wheelchair accessible.
"Your selfish actions killed a special man," Constable told the court.
Constable said Styles was "senselessly killed because (the teen) thought (he) was above the law."
"I have survivor's guilt," he said, adding he questions whether he deserves the "emotional satisfaction" of watching his grandchildren grow up when their father isn't there to see it.
Styles' widow Melissa said her "children will eventually learn about their father's final selfless moments and be proud of him but we will never know why it had to happen."
She told the hearing that her children, now four and seven, say, "I wish daddy didn't die."
"He was my best friend, my first love, and had a smile that would melt my heart."
The defence has maintained the teen panicked, causing him to accidentally press the accelerator instead of the brake.
If he is sentenced as a young offender, the teen faces 10 years in prison, but if he's sentenced as an adult he faces life.
(680News)
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