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Vernon News

Hit and run driver up for parole

Chase Donaldson, with wife Marcia at his side.

VERNON - The man found guilty of hitting a young woman with his car and fleeing the scene has applied for a parole hearing.

In December, Donaldson was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of 22-year-old Kiera-Leigh Carlson and fleeing the scene. He was sentenced to 32 months in jail. On Thursday, he will appear for his first review by the parole board, after having served just over six months in prison.

During his trial, Donaldson's lawyers said he was remorseful about what happened, but B.C. Supreme Court Justice Frank Cole said he "did not tell the truth" while on the witness stand and "destroyed his credibility."

Having heard two weeks of evidence, Cole ruled that Donaldson had been driving recklessly, speeding along Aberdeen Road in Coldstream and street racing with a friend. He said Donaldson made a 911 call, but hung up and went home, because "he did not want to accept responsibility for what happened."

Friends and family, who dressed in Kiera's favourite colour, purple, throughout the proceedings, say they miss her enormously, and think about her every day. Kiera's father, Len, says Donaldson continues to shirk responsibility for the death, apologizing for "what" happened to Kiera, "not what he did to Kiera."

"He chose to drive in the fashion he did," Len said the day Donaldson was found guilty. 

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston

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