THUNDER BAY - Erin Graham said an accident that led to her sister's death threw the entire family into turmoil and she hopes the woman responsible for her death will get the help she needs.
“That is what we are hopeful of, that she will get the help that she needs and that no one else will become harmed and that maybe her life will become better after it as well,” Graham said.
Sarah Graham (no relation to Erin Graham) will spend the next 18 months in custody for the 2015 death of Laureen Waite.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick in a Thunder Bay Courtroom on Wednesday. In addition to 18 months in custody, the joint sentencing submission agreed to by Crown attorney, Andrew Sadler and defense attorney, David Dubinsky, also includes two years’ probation, a no contact order with several members of Waite’s family, and a three-year driving prohibition.
She will also be required to complete a rehabilitation program upon her release and submit a DNA sample.
Sarah Graham, 45, was charged in March 2016 with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and impaired driving causing death for her involvement in the ATV crash in July 2015 that would later claim the life of 39-year-old, Waite.
According to an investigation conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police, Graham was driving an ATV with Waite as a passenger when it collided with a car on Haugen road. The ATV rolled over and the two women were thrown from the vehicle.
Sarah Graham was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while Waite was listed in critical condition. She would later die of her injuries in October 2015.
During a victim impact statement, Erin Graham said Laureen was a devoted mother to her two daughters, who she asked for during her time in hospital.
“The look in her eyes when she saw her children is something I will never forget,” she said. “So much love and devotion.”
An emotional Sarah Graham was provided an opportunity to address the court, during which she turned and spoke directly to Waite’s family.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said. “I wish I could take that day back. I am so sorry. I am so sorry for the pain and the aggravation and the hurt. I wish it was me that day. I really do.”
She continued by asking Waite’s family to not think of her as a bad person and said she will live with the pain of what happened that day for the rest of her life.
“I can’t take that day back,” she said. “I pray every night for my children and for Laureen and those girls. It was a bad day and a bad choice.”
Sadler said sentencing cases such as this is never easy, but he agreed there was a sense of responsibility on Sarah Graham’s part because she pleaded guilty to the charges.
During his sentencing, Fitzpatrick said Sarah Graham’s actions were reckless and a period of incarceration will send the message that actions like this will not be tolerated.
“In all the circumstances I am prepared to accept this submission,” Fitzpatrick said. “Clearly the matter has had significant impact on the family.”
Erin Graham said she understands Sarah Graham regrets her actions and she was grateful to be able to share the story of her sister with the court.
“Laureen had a lot of struggles and was at a point where she was starting to thrive and do better and unfortunately this occurred and ended that growth,” she said. “It’s been a long haul and I’m very glad that we’ve come to the end of it for now.”
