'Terrible mistake': Wrong-way driver who killed motorist in head-on crash gets 2 years in jail

A Medicine Hat man who killed a motorist on Deerfoot Trail when he drove the wrong way on the divided highway must serve his two-year sentence in jail, a judge ruled Tuesday.

The judge called the incident "a terrible mistake" but ruled that Tyson Giroux, 31, cannot serve his sentence at home under conditions as part of a conditional sentence order (CSO), as requested by the defence. 

Earlier this year, Giroux pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The crash claimed the life of Imanpal Singh Shergill, 27, in December 2022. 

According to victim impact statements, Shergill was the cornerstone of his family. He was described as selfless, loyal and dedicated to friends.

Charges of impaired driving causing death were withdrawn Tuesday after Giroux was sentenced. 

Prosecutor Renato Di Lorenzo asked Justice Margaret Keelaghan to impose a three-year prison term while defence lawyers Greg Dunn and Matt Deshaye asked the judge to consider a two-year CSO, meaning Giroux would have been allowed to serve his sentence at home, under conditions. 

Keelaghan noted that Giroux has been sober since the crash. He attended SAIT and is employed as an ironworker, living with his mother in Medicine Hat. 

After the crash, Giroux sought counselling.

At the time of the collision, he had no criminal record and has since demonstrated remorse, the judge said in her review of Giroux's personal circumstances. 

When given the opportunity to address the court, Giroux apologized to Shergill's family.

"His demeanour in the courtroom is one of clear and obvious remorse," said Keelaghan. 

Although Keelaghan did not find Giroux poses a danger to the community, she noted a sentence served in the community, as proposed by the defence lawyer, would not properly serve the sentencing principles of denunciation and deterrence.

"This was, in my view, a serious case of dangerous driving," said Keelaghan. 

Instead, the judge imposed a two-year prison sentence.