Angela Hugh was sentenced in BC Supreme Court in Nanaimo for a series of drug offences in 2018 in Parksville. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

emotional hearing

Parksville drug trafficker sentenced while grieving untimely death of daughter

Jan 11, 2021 | 5:32 AM

NANAIMO — A heartbroken mother intends to draw on her daughter’s death as inspiration to create a more positive future.

Angela Hugh, 47, was handed a two year federal prison sentence on Friday, Jan 8 in BC Supreme Court in Nanaimo in relation to several drug charges stemming from incidents in 2018 in Parksville.

Hugh was emotional throughout her nearly half-hour sentencing hearing as she addressed court through a televised feed from jail on the Lower Mainland.

Hugh pleaded guilty to four drug charges, including trafficking 3.5 grams of cocaine and a 1.1 gram mixture of fentanyl and cocaine during a Feb 15, 2018 traffic stop.

The drugs were found when the offender was pulled over in Parksville for being a prohibited driver.

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While released on bail, court was told Hugh answered the door of her Smithers Rd. home to give a mixture of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl to undercover police on two occasions in October, 2018.

She had no prior criminal record.

Hugh’s lawyer Kelly Bradshaw told court her client’s sentencing had been delayed after her 22-year-old daughter Keana was killed in an alleged hit and run on Hwy. 19 in Parksville last October 10.

Bradshaw said Hugh relapsed while temporarily released from custody on compassionate grounds to deal with her daughter’s affairs.

Hugh wanted the chance to gain sobriety with her daughter, who herself battled substance abuse issues after being hit by a car at 14-years-old, Bradshaw told court.

“Ms. Hugh is taking this as a little bit of inspiration to do something for Keana through herself.”

Bradshaw outlined Hugh’s intention to earn a heavy machinery ticket and move away from Parksville.

Justice Robin Baird accepted the jointly submitted two year federal penitentiary recommendation.

Baird was sympathetic with Hugh’s misfortune and applauded her post-release plan.

“You strike me as being an intelligent and a nice person and I think brighter days are ahead for you if you can stay away from substances,” Justice Baird said.

Hugh thanked the court, reiterating her commitment of sobriety.

Five months of pre-trial custody will be removed from her sentence.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes