At a sentencing hearing in Saint John for John Ford on charges connected to a 2018 collision which killed 54-year-old Scott Robertson, the court heard the accused doesn’t remember what happened in the crash.
The hearing covered two charges, failing to provide assistance at the scene of an accident and public mischief for misleading police.
Ford pleaded guilty to the charges in June.
Scott Robertson was killed in the crash on the Loch Lomond Road at 4:58 a.m on July 9th, 2018, after the motorcycle has was driving collided with a Ford Escape on Loch Lomond Road.
Court heard witnesses saw someone wearing a safety vest running from the scene and called the police.
Ford and Ann-Marie Savoy later arrived at the scene and told the police she was driving.
In late January 2019, Ford and Savoy were both charged in this matter.
He told police he knew he hit something, didn’t look to see what it was and took off because of his criminal record.
At a sentencing hearing for John Ford, court heard him tell police on video he doesn't remember what happened in the 2018 crash where motorcyclist Scott Robertson was killed. When told he was driving in the wrong lane before the crash, he responds "I wouldn't do that." pic.twitter.com/BezK0SDU3y
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) September 9, 2019
Victim Impact Statements
Four victim impact statements read aloud in court from Scott Robertson’s family members detailed who he was and how his death has created a void in their lives.
Scott Robertson was a motorcycle safety instructor, who taught more than 200 courses, and often the whole family pitched in.
He was also a Red Seal Chef who loved to spoil his family and friends with his creations.
Robertson’s daughter, Kayla, said she has a list of “never’s” she won’t experience with her dad such as being walked down the aisle and grandchildren adding her “new normal is a living nightmare” since his death.
Scott’s wife Joanne told the court her life is at a standstill and she is lost.
She speaks of carrying Scott’s ashes with her for six months after he died. “I can’t sleep. I wake up thinking of his death. I wake up to write down the details of our life.”
“My kids have been cheated out of their father’s love and guidance. I fear my children won’t be able to get on with their lives.”
Scott’s sister Robyn used to ride a motorcycle but not since her brother’s death.
As an elementary school teacher, Robyn couldn’t make it past the first 12 days of the school year in September 2018.
“I can find no pleasure in life.” She told the court about how she considered self-harm as the only way to see Scott again.
Video Statement
John Ford statement’s to police was played in court.
Constable Tony Gilbert of the Major Crime Unit tells Ford the evidence shows that he was driving in the wrong lane. Ford responds, “I wouldn’t do that.”
At one point, Gilbert says “I believe you knew what you did.”
Ford becomes upset yelling “I am not a monster! Only a monster would do this, would walk away. If I knew, I would have done something. You weren’t there!”
He breaks down when reminded of nearly letting his girlfriend take the blame for his actions.
Near the end of the statement, Gilbert returns to the room and asks Ford if he has anything else to say and he responds “sorry”. Gilbert asks “for what?” and Ford says “for what happened.”
Ann-Marie Savoy has a trial date next year on charges of perjury, obstructing justice and public mischief.
The sentencing hearing resumes on October 10th.
