One of three mechanics arrested after a fatal crash on Peacekeepers Way two years ago pleaded guilty yesterday.

It’s part of a plea deal that will see 39 charges against Terry Barry reduced to 13.

The 69-year-old man broke down as he tried to apologize in provincial court yesterday, his wife of 47 years, his daughter and granddaughter also in tears sitting behind him.

The longtime journeyman mechanic was originally charged with 39 counts of forging comercial vehicle inspections after the June 2022 crash that killed a 56-year-old man.

The victim was driving a car that was struck by a semi-truck and trailer between Fowler’s Road and Minerals Road.

It was later found the trailer had mechanical issues, leading to charges against the driver, Sam Tessier, Barry, and garage owner Cecil Walsh

Barry had nothing to do with the crash or inspection of that trailer, but he did sign off on dozens of other illegal inspections as an unpaid “favour” to Walsh.

Illegal, because he said they were done at Walsh’s approved garage, when they were actually done at unapproved sites.

That’s because Walsh had been evicted from his Paradise garage.

In addition to pleading guilty to 13 charges, Barry also pleaded ignorance. He insisted he never knew he was breaking the law, saying he was “thrown under the bus” by Walsh and “if I’m guilty of anything, it’s of being naive.”

Judge Rolf Pritchard was quick to note that ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, and set sentencing for next week.

The Crown is seeking six to nine months’ house arrest, while the defence wants an absolute discharge.

Both Walsh and Tessier, meanwhile, have been charged with criminal negligence causing death.

Walsh also faces 58 counts of fraud over $5,000, 19 charges of forging documents, 17 of breaching release conditions, and one count of assault.

Both men are expected to enter pleas at their next court date in March.