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Driver sentenced for fatal collision

New Westminster – On March 11, 2013 at approximately 10:30 pm, 25 year old Gemma Snowball was walking home from work when was struck by a vehicle that had made an illegal left turn at 6th Street and 6th Avenue. Tragically, Gemma passed away two days later due to her injuries.

The NWPD Traffic Section conducted an extensive technical investigation to ensure all available evidence was collected and submitted a report to Crown Counsel in December 2013. In March of 2014, Crown approved one charge of Driving without Due Care and Attention under Section 144 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicle Act and one charge of Driving without Reasonable Consideration for Others under Section 144(1) (b) of the Motor Vehicle Act, against 29 year old Kelowna resident Ryan Follack.

In April of 2014, Follack plead guilty to Driving without Due Care and Attention and was due to appear for sentencing on August 8, 2014; however, he failed to appear in court on that date. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Follack appeared in New Westminster Provincial Court again on Tuesday August 12th at which time he was formally sentenced, receiving a $2000 fine and a 5 year driving prohibition.

“Our thoughts go out to the Snowball family at this time,” said Chief Constable Dave Jones. “While nothing can bring Gemma back, we hope that the conclusion of these legal proceedings will provide her family with some measure of closure as they continue to deal with the tragic loss of this young woman in the prime of her life.”

Follack was next scheduled to appear in New Westminster Provincial Court today to deal with his failure to attend court on the original sentencing hearing date.

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