Brittany Barry sentenced to 6 years for crash that killed 2 women on highway near Saskatoon
CBC
A woman who drove the wrong way on a divided highway and crashed head-on into an SUV, killing the two women inside, will serve a six-year prison sentence.
Brittany Barry, 33, pleaded guilty to drunk driving causing the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, and injuring her own two children that were in the vehicle with her.
The collision happened Oct. 19, 2024, at about 9:45 p.m. CST on Highway 11 near Dundurn, about 35 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon.
According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, mother and daughter Laura and Jamie Hannah died on impact when Barry's truck slammed into their vehicle.
Barry's two children both suffered injuries, including a fractured spine and broken leg, requiring one of them to be airlifted by STARS air ambulance.
Barry told officers at the scene, "I didn't drink that much," but officers said they could smell the alcohol on her breath and when they searched her truck, they found a nearly empty bottle of red wine in the back seat.
Barry failed a breathalyzer test at the scene, and at the RCMP detachment, her breath samples showed she had a blood-alcohol level two and a half times greater than the legal limit.
The courtroom at Saskatoon provincial court was packed on Friday with family members and friends of the victims.
Reanne Hannah, daughter to Laura and sister to Jamie, described the trio as best friends who became especially close-knit after her father died in 2016.
"They were my entire life," said Reanne in court.
"I'm a strong believer in justice and I believe the price you pay for your actions is important and well deserved. I hope that you make it through all of this with God by your side. I can't yet tell you that I forgive you, but I hope to someday."
Laura's partner Ron Krause remembered the two women as kind, caring, beautiful people in the world.
"You, Brittany [Barry], killed my partner Laura and her daughter Jamie and forever changed my life," Krause said to Barry.
Barry didn't say anything in court, but she had written a statement that the judge read aloud.
Veterinary tranquilizers are being found in a large amount of downtown Toronto's fentanyl supply, according to a drug testing service.
The University of Prince Edward Island men's basketball team has made it to the semifinals in the U Sports championships in Vancouver after beating the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.
One person is dead and another was rescued after an avalanche triggered near Lake Louise Ski Resort on Friday afternoon, RCMP say.
Department store chain Hudson's Bay says it will begin liquidating its entire business as soon as next week unless it finds a more viable path forward.
Radiohead has unearthed rare footage of a 1995 solo performance by its lead singer Thom Yorke in Toronto to mark three decades since the release of its beloved sophomore album The Bends — and yes, it's giving us all the feels.
An N.W.T. MLA has brought forward a proposed bill for public discussion that would allow nurses to have their own bargaining unit when negotiating a collective agreement.
There were far fewer hugs than in 2015.
Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will hold conversations with rival aircraft makers, Defence Minister Bill Blair said late Friday, just hours after being reappointed to the post as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet.
As the BMO Field gets a World Cup facelift, Toronto FC will look to make its own improvements to pick up its first win of the season in the club's home opener Saturday afternoon.
The Prince Edward Island government's decision to pause new applications for its solar rebate program is raising concerns among some businesses that install solar panels.
Alberta Health Services calls wrongful dismissal suit filed by former CEO 'groundless and vexatious'
Alberta Health Services alleges the wrongful dismissal suit of the organization's former CEO is "groundless" and an attempt to extract a larger severance payment.
Once again, U.S. President Donald Trump lambasted Canada on Wednesday — this time, for allegedly imposing exorbitant tariffs on dairy products.
The Northwest Territories health minister says the N.W.T. is expecting about $185 million as part of a national settlement with tobacco companies.