Drunk driver who killed RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett out on statutory release
Posted June 22, 2022 3:34 pm.
Last Updated June 22, 2022 3:35 pm.
A man who pleaded guilty to drunk and dangerous driving causing the death of an RCMP officer near Victoria is once again out on statutory release.
Ken Fenton was convicted of crashing into Const. Sarah Beckett’s cruiser after running a red light on April 5, 2016. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison.
Fenton’s release was suspended in April 2022 when he admitted to overmedicating on prescription drugs in response to anxiety of the looming anniversary of the crash.
The decision from the Parole Board of Canada released on Tuesday says a urine test also showed illegal drugs, and his release was suspended.
It says Fenton has spent long periods of time in the community without problems, found full-time work, and has the support of a girlfriend and family members.
In reversing the suspension, the board says it’s concerned he can’t follow the rules of his prescription marijuana program and negative feelings have him turning to alcohol. However, because he’s near the end of the sentence, it says having access to support is essential so he can reintegrate into society.
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The 32-year-old mother of two died at the scene when the pick-up Fenton was driving slammed into Beckett’s police cruiser.
Beckett was an 11-year veteran of the RCMP, and thousands lined the streets in Colwood to attend her regimental funeral.
