Top 10 stories of 2010 continues; Number four: Carol Berner is sentenced

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SURREY (NEWS1130) – In November, Carol Berner was sentenced to two and a half years in jail for the 2008 death of four-year-old Alexa Middelaer.  At the time, the little girl’s parents Laurel and Michael called it “a great day for justice in BC.”

“What happened to our family will probably happen a little less often because I think a pretty strong message came out of that courtroom,” said Michael outside the law courts in Surrey.

Laurel added, “There was common sense and care and deliberation in this ruling.  I’m very proud, as Alexa’s mom that justice was served today.”

Berner was also handed a five-year driving ban after being found guilty in July on four counts: impaired driving causing death; impaired driving causing bodily harm; dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

“We had an amazing daughter for four and a half years and her legacy and what we will do for her is to always be strong and dignified,” said Laurel.

Alexa’s aunt Daphne Johanson was badly injured in that crash, spending four weeks in the hospital and months in a wheelchair.  Berner was travelling over 90 km/hour in a 50 km/h zone when she lost control on 64th Street in Delta on May 17th, 2008.

The court heard graphic testimony of Alexa’s final moments.  Berner’s defence suggested the accident might have been the result of mechanical failure, but the judge called that “pure conjecture.”

Berner is currently out on bail as she appeals her convictions.

Meanwhile, Alexa’s parents have been active in campaigning against drunk driving.  With the help of police and the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, they have set up the Alexa Middelaer Memorial Fund.

‘Alexa’s Team’ recognizes police officers who are tough on impaired driving and they’re all working together to get ‘Alexa’s Bus’ on the road.  That’s an alcohol testing unit that would be used province-wide.

 

We kicked off our countdown with Randy Quaid fiasco last Monday, followed by the triumph of Canucks’ captain Henrik Sedin. Our No. 8 story was the young Asian man who made it into Canada disguised as an old white man.  That was followed by the controversial bike lanes.  The new hands-free cell phone and tough drinking and driving laws and the murder of Laura Szendrei were No. 6 and  No. 5 respectively.

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