Beverlee Jayne Russell is expected to learn her fate today for being impaired behind the wheel and causing the death of a Cole Harbour man and injuring several others.
The 54-year-old Cole Harbour resident is scheduled to have her sentencing hearing this morning at Dartmouth provincial court.
On Aug. 3, 2009, Russell allegedly fled the scene of one collision before causing a second, multi-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 57-year-old retired teacher Gary Pfinder. The second crash also seriously injured two others.
Police say alcohol was a factor in both crashes.
She was arrested and charged on Aug. 10. A psychiatric assessment the following day deemed her mentally fit to stand trial.
Russell entered a guilty plea in Dartmouth on March 31 to one count of impaired driving causing death, three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm, and one of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Impaired driving causing death carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum sentence of each of the other charges is 10 years.
Russell still faces other pending charges. However, they may be withdrawn at today’s sentencing hearing.
