Man Receives Conditional Sentence for Fatal Train Collision in Manitoba
A tragic incident that occurred nearly three years ago has finally reached a verdict in a Manitoba courthouse. Joseph Sinclair, the man responsible for a collision between a van and a train near Strathclair, has received a 45-day conditional sentence. The collision resulted in the deaths of three individuals: Phil Houle Jr., Trevor Bone, and Layne Catcheway.
Sinclair pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to stop the van at a marked railway crossing on September 9, 2020, leading to the fatal accident. According to Crown attorney Melania Cannon, Sinclair only slowed down but did not stop as the van approached the CN Rail tracks near Highway 16. The van was subsequently struck by two train engines.
During the sentencing, over 25 family members of the victims were present in the courtroom gallery, wearing attire in memory of their loved ones. Crown attorney Melania Cannon stated that while the tragedy was senseless, it was not considered a criminal action on Sinclair’s part. This is why the Crown accepted Sinclair’s guilty pleas to offences under the Highway Traffic Act instead of pursuing charges under the Criminal Code, which would have resulted in heavier penalties.
While some family members disagreed with this assessment, Cannon explained that the recommended sentence aimed to strike a balance between acknowledging that Sinclair’s actions were not criminal and addressing the loss of three lives. The Crown proposed a 45-day conditional sentence order with a 24-hour curfew, excluding work hours, for each of the three counts. Additionally, Sinclair received a 12-month driving prohibition and 120 hours of community service. He was ordered not to contact the deceased’s family members and to undergo 12 months of supervised probation following the completion of his sentence.
Cannon highlighted that Sinclair had been assessed as a minimal risk to reoffend by probation services. She also mentioned aggravating factors such as his failure to drive appropriately despite being aware of the train tracks and his failure to ensure all passengers were wearing seatbelts.
Defence lawyer Ethan Pollock, who joined the Crown in recommending the sentence, acknowledged the emotional weight of the proceedings and expressed that Sinclair and himself found it impossible to change the damage done. Sinclair, visibly moved, addressed the gallery and expressed his condolences, stating that all three victims were like family to him.
The victim impact statements delivered by the families added to the emotional atmosphere in the courtroom. Georgina, mother of Phil Houle Jr., shared the devastation of losing her son and the toll it took on her physical and mental health. Joanne, mother of Layne Catcheway, described the void her son’s absence created in their lives. Carlene Campeau, the mother of two of Phil Houle Jr.’s children, emphasized the impact on their young son Storm, who will never fully know his father.
Following the heartfelt statements, Judge Patrick Sullivan delivered his sentence, hoping that it would bring some closure to the families involved. He remarked that the collision occurred not while Sinclair was impaired or distracted, but while driving at a mere eight kilometers per hour through a stop sign. Sullivan highlighted that many people could potentially commit the same offence, emphasizing the importance of obeying basic traffic safety rules.
Accepting the joint recommendation, Sullivan cautioned Sinclair that any violation of the conditions of his conditional sentence could result in actual jail time. The driving prohibition began at 6 p.m. on the day of the sentencing to allow Sinclair to drive himself home.
As the families cope with their irreversible loss, this case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when individuals fail to adhere to traffic regulations, even in seemingly minor situations.
