A Calgary man has been given a conditional sentence after pleading guilty to impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.
Sompasong Rattanathongsay appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, June 25, to enter the guilty plead.
The court heard on the evening of February 10, 2019, Oyen RCMP responded to a single-vehicle collision on Highway 9 near Range Road 50.
An SUV transporting the driver and two passengers had left the roadway and rolled.
As a result of the collision, a 33-year-old male passenger who was seated in the rear, and a 31-year-old male passenger seated in the front sustained injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The 33-year-old male passenger died of his injuries a short time later. The front seat passenger was treated for his injuries.
Sompasong Rattanathongsay was arrested at the scene and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death, impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, and impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
The crown and defence agreed on a joint submission for the guilty plea to impaired operation causing bodily harm. Prosecutor Ron Pedersen, in the agreed statement of fact, noted there were a number of significant charter issues related to the investigation of the incident.
Mr. Rattanathongsay, 33, has no criminal record and expressed his remorse to the mother of the victim. The men had been friends and workmates for many years in the construction industry. The injured man had his hand surgically repaired and has recovered.
Rattanathongsay was sentenced to two years less a day, conditional sentence order. The remaining charges were withdrawn.
