An Eden Valley man pleaded guilty Monday to dangerous driving in relation to a crash that killed his cousin.
Michael Garret Lefthand entered a guilty plea to dangerous driving causing death in Turner Valley Court Feb. 8.
Dustin Lefthand was killed June 1, 2013 when the minivan he was a passenger in rolled over on a dirt road on the Eden Valley reserve’s west side. Dustin Lefthand was 21-years-old. He was found pinned underneath the vehicle.
Michael Lefthand’s lawyer, Brandi Aymont, and Crown prosecutor Mac Vomberg reached a resolution in the case last week that saw the accused enter the guilty plea to one of seven charges.
A signed agreed statement of facts was handed to the court, but will not be read until the next court hearing.
Michael Lefthand is also charged with impaired driving causing death, driving with a blood alcohol over .08 milligrams per cent causing death, a second count of dangerous driving causing death, operating a motor vehicle while disqualified and breaching two court orders to not drink and keep the peace. Those charges are expected to be dropped at sentencing.
It has been more than two-and-a-half years since the fatal crash. There have been discussions in the past to resolve the case, but then a trial date was set. The trial was to begin Feb. 8 but did not go ahead when the guilty plea was entered.
Three police officers, including one that travelled from Edmonton, were in court, but did not have to testify due to the guilty plea.
In total the Crown planned to call 12 witnesses over five days. The defence was to call two witnesses.
“The case has a long and unusual history,” Vomberg said, asking Judge Paul Mason to ask the accused if he was making the guilty plea voluntarily and that he understands the repercussions.
Mason also gave his sympathies for the family’s grief.
“I take it from the counts the deceased person is a family member,” Mason said to Lefthand and family members sitting in the courtroom. “I extend my condolences to you and your family as well.”
Michael Lefthand was released on house arrest following the crash, but was given permission to attend the funeral.
In the past Aymont said the pair were like brothers.
She asked for a pre-sentence report, a risk assessment from a psychologist and a Gladue report that looks at the offender’s aboriginal background.
The case will be back in Turner Valley court June 7 to schedule a sentencing date.
