Hard time

Debbie Vader gets support from Brian Munro and Clayton Vader (left), Jeff’s dad, as they wait outside Picton Courthouse to see Eric Menard taken to prison.

Jeff Vader’s killer brought to justice three years after he died on Kelly Road

Eric Menard has been sentenced to two years to be served in a penitentiary for running down and killing Jeffrey Vader on the road in front of his home in May 2009. In February Menard was convicted of dangerous driving causing death. Justice Robert Scott made the ruling after a five-day trial.

“This has been a difficult case, as witnessed by the number of people in the courtroom today,” said Scott, who described Vader as being a good husband, father, friend and member of the community.

Justice Scott’s sentence was was in line with the recommendation of Crown Attorney Laurie Nichols.

He sentenced Menard to two years to be served in a penitentiary, followed by three years probation; during which time he cannot enter Prince Edward County unless he has permission from the PEC OPP; he can have no contact with Mrs. Vader or her neighbours; he is prohibted from driving for five years and prohibited from owning a weapon for ten years.

Menard, who gave a brief statement in the courtroom about how sorry he was, momentarily bowed his head.

In arriving at his verdict Justice Scott had to answer two questions in accordance with the law: Did the accused operate a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, and did the accused’s behaviour constitute a marked departure from the norm? Justice Scott decided that answer to both questions was yes, and found Menard guilty.

“I considered all of the evidence and arrived at my conclusion: Weather, season, roadway, site lines, speed, path chosen by the driver, little or no braking by the driver,” said Justice Scott

He added that there was animosity between the neighbours. Menard knew he had hit Vader, yet he didn’t stop but drove to his house, yelling back that he didn’t see him.

In his sentencing decision Justice Scott described Menard’s actions as a terrible mistake resulting in a needless death. He thanked those who contributed victim impact statements, including Vader’s widow Debra, his father Clayton Vader and his friend Dave Baverstock.

Justice Scott urged Menard to enter into an anger management program while he is in prison.

“Driving the way you did is why we are here today,” concluded Justice Scott.

Menard was processed before being transferred to Quinte Detention Centre.

Debbie Vader said she was satisfied by the sentence; she had worried that Menard might receive a suspended sentence or less time in a reformatory institution.

“I’m happy with it, I think he deserves to go to the pen,” said Vader. “This to me was good. It doesn’t seem right, two years sounds like nothing, but that’s the way it is I’ve come to understand. It’s a bigger step to go there and I think he should go there. I’m very glad.”

For over an hour Jeffrey Vader’s family and friends waited outside the Union Street courthouse. “We’ve waited three years, what’s a little longer,” one supporter said.

Finally the courthouse door opened and Menard was escorted in handcuffs to a waiting police vehicle and taken away to begin serving his sentence.

“Goodbye Eric,” said Debbie Vader. She then turned and slowly walked to her car.