Petronella McNorgan and company seen leaving the London Courthouse during the first day of sentencing.
The first day of sentencing hearings have begun for 79-year-old Petronella McNorgan, who was found guilty back in April for driving her SUV into a group of Girl Guides, killing one and injuring 7.
Parents, friends, and family spoke to the loss of life, emotions, and potential memories since the tragedy took place.
The original incident occurred back on November 30 2021, when the retired school teacher drove over 120 kilometres per hour on the corner of Wonderland and Riverside, colliding with a vehicle, hitting a pole, then running into a troop of Girl Guides.
Tears were shed by speakers and those in attendance alike, with stories, poems, and recollections being given.
The day began with the parents of the lost 8-year-old speaking to the impact on their lives, jobs, and well-being since they lost their child.
Family members and other parents, including those who were injured by the driver, followed, all pointing to the easily avoidable nature of the incident.
One parent says their child still struggles with grief, with another saying their child now has brain injuries from the collision, and others conveying their feelings of helplessness throughout the incident and thereafter.
One of the overarching and consistent messages given from each statement were the victims voicing their concerns that the driver had yet to show any remorse, saying that she hasn’t given a form of an apology.
The defence, however, is arguing that the driver, former schoolteacher Petronella McNorgan, has been under a court order preventing her from speaking to the families to give an apology.
They say McNorgan has felt guilt and incredible remorse since the incident took place, pushing for the argument that it was an unintentional pedal misuse with no intention to endanger anyone.
McNorgan was charged with seven counts of criminal negligence causing death and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, now facing a potential maximum sentence of 14 years.
Day two of the sentencing hearings will be gin Friday, with the judge saying they don’t expect to have a final verdict until a later date.
