The sentencing hearing for a 46-year-old Burnaby man involved in a fatal accident is set for May.
Mohammad Abdolmalekpoor is accused of causing the death of 26-year-old Mark Holmes on April 19, 2011.
As previously reported by the NOW, the cement truck Abdolmalekpoor was driving ran a red light at East Columbia and Holmes streets and crashed into Holmes’ car, sending it through the barrier and down a steep drop-off into Lower Hume Park.
Holmes died at the scene. He was on his way to pick up his wife and infant son for a doctor’s appointment, when he was hit shortly after 11:30 a.m.
Following an extensive investigation by New Westminster Police Department’s major crime unit and collision analysis and reconstruction team, Abdolmalekpoor was charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death in June of 2012.
He was also charged with several Motor Vehicle Act infractions, including failing to ensure his vehicle was in safe operating condition; operating a vehicle without effective service brakes; driving without due care and attention; and driving without reasonable consideration.
Abdolmalekpoor was eventually ordered to stand trial in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster. His court date was scheduled to begin March 16, but before it did, an application to have his case moved to provincial court was submitted to the presiding judge.
According to Neil MacKenzie, spokesperson with the B.C. Criminal Justice branch, Crown counsel agreed to the change because they’re expecting Abdolmalekpoor to plead guilty.
“Ultimately, of course, that’s in the hands of the accused, but that’s what Crown anticipates will happen in due course in provincial court,” MacKenzie said.
Assuming the guilty plea is entered, Abdolmalekpoor, who is currently out on bail, will return to provincial court on May 13 for sentencing. It’ll be up to the judge whether or not Abdolmalekpoor is sentenced that day or at a later date, MacKenzie added.
