Appeal heard in young flag worker's death

One year to the day he was found guilty of hitting and killing a young flag worker along Highway 39, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal was hearing his case.

Last year, Keith Dunford was convicted of dangerous driving causing death after a crash in a construction zone by Midale, Saskatchewan. The victim was 18-year-old Ashley Richards, who had just started on the job.

In December 2015, he was sentenced to a shade under two years in jail, along with a three-year ban on driving. But on the very same day that decision came down, Dunford was granted bail as his lawyer Aaron Fox filed an appeal on both the conviction and the sentence.

On Thursday, the case to have the decision overturned was heard in Regina. Fox argued Dunford’s right to council had not been given to him appropriately.

“He should have been afforded an opportunity to speak to a lawyer prior to giving his interview and we say that the constable erred by failing to do that,” he explained.

Fox also argued his client’s driving did not constitute a marked departure from the norm, and his conduct should not be considered criminal.

Fox admitted Dunford continues to be upset and distraught with the incident and said he’s anxious to get the matter resolved and move on with his life. Dunford remains free while judges make their decision, which Fox said could take weeks or even months.