THIS IS MY APOLOGY TO THE HIGGINS FAMILY IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE HIGGINS-CHANG AND ESTES FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE SEATTLE AREA FOR THE F----- UP JUSTICE SYSTEM IN MY COUNTRY " CANADA"
Dr. Higgins and his daughter were visiting in Vancouver and as they walked across the street in a crosswalk, Dr.Higgins was run down by a car and killed. The driver drove away but was caught with the help of a witness.
The driver Xiao "sean" Zhang had a bad driving record of serious offences. He was charged with Hit and Run causing death and Dangerous driving, the latter charge was believed to be dropped by the prosecutor.
After a number of delays Zhang entered a plea of Guilty and was let free pending his sentence. He was also ordered to turn over his Passport. The relatives were understandingly disturbed that the driver did not face a more serious charge considering that he took a life.
Yesterday the relatives appeared for Zhang's sentencing travelling from New Zealand and arrived with relatives from the Seattle area. They faced a further disturbing matter. They learned that the Prosecutor was going to recommend a BIG SENTENCE OF 21 MONTHS, for taking the life of a husband and father. To make thing worse, when it came time for Zhang to appear for his big jail sentence, he didn't appear and nobody knows his whereabouts. A Canada wide warrant has been issued. I forgot to mention that he did not hand over his Passport as ordered, claiming that he had lost it. (HOW CONVENIENT)
Needless to say the family members are furious with our Justice System.
I had a flashback to when I was a young police officer. I am quite sure that a more serious charge would have been laid and that Zhang would have been in custody pending his sentence rather that being free to skip out on his sentencing. I guess those were the " good old days "
If anyone should read this blog and know any of the family, please pass on my deepest regrets for the treatment that they have received.
About Me
- DonW
- I used to be a P.I., so my camera work came to me with no problem. I photograph people and things mostly street situations.I am all over the map with my photos.Things that are old in appearance with some history attached would be something that I would stop for and photograph. All blogs (c)CopyrightDonW2007
3 comments:
I think many justice systems have too lenient a view of killing by car. In the UK people seem to get off with fines and suspended licences far too often. It's scandalous.
Don - thank you for such a heartfelt post. Yes, this story made news down here this week and it's extremely sad. I hope he can be found and that justice is swift.
I am happy to report that Zhang has been arrested in Toronto. Lets hope the Judge will hand out some "justice" for the victims of this case.
Post a Comment