A 28-year-old Huntsville man pled guilty to criminal negligence causing death and failing to comply to a probation order charges in a rare joint submission by the crown and the defence attorney at Superior Court in North Bay this afternoon.
Joseph Edward Fitzgerald has been in jail in North Bay in connection to an accident on November 29th, 2017 when his vehicle slammed into the side of 36-year-old Travis Wright’s vehicle. Wright, a veteran who was attending CTS Canadian Career College at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Fitzgerald fled the scene and was arrested later and taken into custody by North Bay police.
The prosecution stated that the investigation showed Fitzgerald, who had been drinking alcohol earlier that day, was traveling over 80 kilometres an hour when he hit Wright’s vehicle.
Justice David Nadeau accepted the pleas and handed Fitzgerald, who had a G1 license at the time of the crash, a 10-year driving prohibition on top of the time he would spend incarcerated after his sentencing.
Defence attorney Andrew Perrin, stated to the court that his client wants to accept responsibility for his actions.
The joint submission included a surety bond which will allow Fitzgerald to live under house arrest in Huntsville under the supervision of both Matthew Bennett and his employer of a roofing company, David Baker both of Huntsville until his sentence date.
During that time Fitzgerald is not permitted to drink, take non-prescription drugs, drive a vehicle or be allowed to use any firearms or crossbows.
The crown also asked that Fitzgerald attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and abide by a curfew.
The widow, Sarah Wright was in attendance along with family members.
The Prosecutor asked Fitzgerald to have no communication with Sarah Wright or her immediate family.
"This was a unique form of plea resolution," stated Justice David Nadeau during proceedings.
"Mr. Fitzgerald will face a lengthy term of incarceration."
Sentencing will take place at North Bay Superior Court on Friday, August 3rd, 2018.
