By Ian Holmes

Crown frustrated by delays in case of fatal Gabriola Island crash

Feb 26, 2019 | 3:40 PM

NANAIMO — Pressure was applied on a Gabriola Island man accused of dangerous driving causing death to enter a plea following numerous procedural delays.

A provincial court judge ordered William Sydney Goosman to attend a mandatory arraignment hearing on Tuesday, March 5 in relation to the death of Jay Dearman on Gabriola Island on Jan. 24, 2018.

Court was updated on the high-profile case, which stalled in part due to Goosman and his previous lawyer parting ways in January. Crown Counsel reported Goosman was slated to enter a plea on Feb. 12, but he didn’t appear due to snowy conditions.

The Crown stated Goosman is responsible for ensuring the matter proceeds, while the family of Dearman wants the case moving forward.

Goosman was formally charged in late August.

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The Crown reported there had been discussions with Goosman’s prior lawyer on a possible resolution which would have accelerated the matter to a sentencing hearing.

Goosman’s new lawyer, Michael Ritzker, represented his client during a brief court appearance Tuesday.

The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death under the Criminal Code of Canada is 14-years in prison.

Gabriola RCMP alleged Goosman drove a vehicle across both lanes of Berry Point Rd. and hit Dearman, who was among a group of joggers near Twin Beaches Mall.

Dearman, 58, was a member of the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes