Family of the BC pastor in the event of an accident when the driver was not responsible

The family of a BC pastor, who was killed in a fiery crash near the peace arc border, says that justice was not served after the man who was involved in death was not responsible for his actions.

A BC Provincial Court heard that a man from Washington drove 120 kilometers per hour in May 2019 when his vehicle hit Rev. Tom Cheung's car, which then left on fire.

Cheung's widow, Athens Cheung, said on Friday that the defendant, Gurbinder Singh, was not held responsible for a trial for a mental disorder after six years of waiting.

Cheungs son Benjamin said his family was at the court on April 17 when the judge made the verdict and the man was released.

The family says that they do not understand why they were simply freed, they were never received the RCMP report, have no reasons for the judgment and do not know why the BC prosecutor rejected an appeal procedure.

In a statement on Friday, the public prosecutor's service said that the judge decided that the crown had demonstrated the physical act that is unequivocally, but the accused raised a reasonable doubt about the “intellectual intention” of the actions of the man and therefore acquitted it.

“We are examining the reasons for the judgment, but in general, appellant courts are quite hesitant to remove the factual findings of a court judge,” the statement said.

The family calls on the legislator to repair gaps in the legal system and says that years of waiting without answers they have in pain and have the feeling that they have not heard or respected their rights.

In a statement, the BC government said that Attorney General Niki Sharma would be open to meetings with the family and “the importance of hearing directly from those affected by the judicial system,” understands.

“This is an incredibly tragic case. In this difficult time, our thoughts are appreciated with the family of Pastor Tom Cheungs and the community how frustrating their circumstances were,” the explanation said.

The oldest son, Solomon Cheung, said the years that followed his father's death made him fight for grief and depression.

“I paid for advice and medication from my own pocket to help myself to sleep all the stress and pain.”

He said he would not give up the fight to seek justice for his father.

“Whether by representing interests, consciousness or legal reform, I would like to make sure that my father's story will not forget and for everyone else who has suffered a similar pain – they are not alone,” said Solomon.