Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The 19-year-old who fatally struck a crossing guard in Barrhaven earlier this year has been found guilty of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
A judge found Xzander Wright guilty of the offence in Ottawa court on Wednesday.
On March 23, Wright was driving home when he struck Peter Clark at the intersection of Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive, court heard during his judge-only trial.
Clark died later the same day.
Wright had previously pleaded guilty to a separate charge of failing to remain at the scene of a hit and run, but he had pleaded not-guilty to the charge of dangerous driving.
According to an agreed statement of facts read in court back in May, Wright turned left and Clark was struck. Wright drove away, returned to watch Clark being helped by others, and left again. He did not offer assistance or leave any information before driving away the second time.
A photo of Peter Clark at work. (Ottawa Police Service handout)
Surveillance video led Ottawa police to identify Wright, who was arrested and charged the following morning.
Justice David Berg gave his Sept. 23 judgement to the courtroom of about 25 to 30 people, many of whom were friends and family of Clark, according to Wright’s lawyer Lawrence Greenspon.
You can read Berg’s entire written judgement here.
WATCH | 19-year-old found guilty of dangerous driving in death of school crossing guard:
19-year-old found guilty of dangerous driving in death of school crossing guard
Xzander Wright was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death six months after fatally striking a school crossing guard in Barrhaven. The CBC’s Justin Ball reports.
Greenspon said the outcome was a disappointment for Wright.
“It’s a very difficult case. It’s a tragic accident and somebody [lost] their life,” he said. “The judge gave a thorough canvassing of the facts and the evidence and the issues, so that was the conclusion that His Honour came to.”
No date for the start of sentencing proceedings has been set yet, assistant Crown attorney Julian Daller told CBC News.
“Everything of substance from today was read by His Honour from the … judgement,” he added via email.