Friends of the three fatal collision victims began giving evidence at Paul Manzon’s sentencing hearing in Brampton Court on Friday, but the hearing was postponed to mid-September because the individual was in quarantine after obtaining COVID-19.
Several families of the victims told the judge that they would prefer to wait for him to return to court in person to make sure he hears what they have to say.
Paul Manzon was convicted in January of dangerous driving that resulted in death, but was acquitted of criminal negligence that resulted in death.
The trial of the individual showed without reasonable doubt that he was indeed the cause of the accident that killed three people and injured two more on August 4, 2018 on the A-50.
The driver of the Corvette was traveling at the time of the collision at 163 km / h, more than twice the speed limit, while racing on a motorcycle.
Apart from the three victims who were in SUVtwo people were injured in the collision, one in the Kia, the other in the Corvette in question.
Allison Jones, 47, and her 7 -year -old son Miles, were killed in their vehicle along with Julia Riccobene, a 12 -year -old girl. They all lived in Woodbridge.
As a sign of fate, young Julia was unable to return with her parents after a football game on the afternoon of the tragedy, so Allison Jones offered to drive her home in her car with her young son.
teenage love
Young Joseph Guastella certainly offered the best testimony before the Superior Court of Ontario, whose hearings were in frontal and virtual modes.
Manzon attended his hearing from his residence in Caledon, where he has lived since being released on bail pending sentencing.
Joseph and Julia were both 12 at the time and we understand they were in love.
I texted him, because he was complaining of a headache, and I suggested a cold compress on his forehead when I got home.recollection of Joseph, who is now 16 years old.
But he never went homehe continued, indicating that the collision interrupted the conversation without him knowing.
Joseph Guastella explained that he also hid the text message in question and that Julia’s picture was still on the bedside table of his room.
She insists that Julia is lively, funny and loves to laugh. I could no longer talk to him, laugh or hug him again.He added.
Then the young man turned to the judge, asked him, his throat tied with emotion, to give justice to the accused.
Enthusiastic testimonials
The teenager’s classmates also paid tribute to him in front of the court. Young Juliana DeOliveira said that Julia has the most beautiful soul she knows on the planet and that it will remain forever in his heart and in his memory.
Madelyn Orrico recalls for her part the fond memories she and Julia shared in her dance classes and in the studio, where he could still sometimes hear its voice. He said the teenager had a wonderful smile.
My heart was broken in thousands of pieces when I heard of his death, I could not believe my hearing, he did not deserve such a death.did he say.
Julia’s soccer coach, Ashley Grosso, said she was saddened by the offense of letting Allison Jones deliver the teenager home.
Maybe I found another carpooling solution, for example by calling a taxi?the maiden asked.
Ms. said. Grosso that he knew the three victims well, who sometimes attended his games. The whole community will meet, I still can’t believe it. I lost three people I lovedhe concludes.
Another life was turned upside down
Julia’s teacher, Nicole Barnett, praised the qualities of her former student, but more importantly she explained the unintended consequences of her death.
He says he was in therapy and taking medication for anxiety that was diagnosed in the weeks after the fatal A-50 collision. He also said he avoids the area when he leaves his home.
I am obsessed with the safety of my children, I am afraid to hit the road and they will be orphaned if I have an accident.he says.
He added, he finds it difficult to bond with his students for the same reason. My life was turned upside down with Julia’s deathhe concludes.
Testimony from Allison Jones’ family will be presented when the hearing continues Sept. 16 in the offender’s presence at the dock.
It’s also unclear if Julia Riccobene’s parents and other family members will also speak that day.
The Crown and the defense have not yet announced the number of years in prison they will ask Judge Nancy Dennison.
Source: Radio-Canada
