SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A P.E.I. Supreme Court justice accepted a joint recommendation from Crown and defence attorneys and imposed a two-year prison term Friday on a 32-year-old Kildare Capes man.
Matthew Clifford Gaudet pleaded guilty in July to charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
On Aug. 27, 2018, Gaudet was driving a car that struck and killed Marjolaine Ward who was riding her bicycle along Route 12 in Kildare Capes.
The 60-year-old woman, originally from Miscou Island, N.B., died at the scene. She was a teacher at École Pierre-Chiasson in Deblois and was training for a triathlon.
Gaudet had apologized to Ward’s family and friends during his July court appearance.
After the joint recommendation was made in P.E.I. Supreme Court on Oct. 2, family members expressed frustration that Gaudet would only be facing a two-year prison term.
“If it was your sister, or mother, or daughter, do you think that someone who hit her, killed her, drove away, left her to die with no trial, no chance to defend herself – would you be happy with a two-year sentence?,” James Sloan, Ward’s brother-in-law asked outside of court. “Everyone’s answer should be no.”
In court Friday, Chief Justice Tracey Clements said Gaudet’s decision to leave the scene was "unfathomable."
In addition to his prison sentence, Gaudet will have a four-year driving ban. He will be on probation for 18 months and he will have to perform 100 hours of community service work.
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