Austin Deir addressed the court Tuesday afternoon, apologizing to the grieving friends and families of Haley Keating and Erin Pretty for causing their deaths.

Deir has endured a daily gauntlet of anger and taunts making his way to and from the courthouse in Clarenville.

So much so that this week there’s been extra police to separate the parties and lessen the tension.

Much of it has to do with Deir’s silence to date, with it being interpreted as a lack of remorse.

But today, in seeking two years of house arrest and ban on driving for Deir, lawyer Rosellen Sullivan noted silence is advised until sentencing, when the judge asks if he has anything to say.

And yesterday, Deir did.

“I understand there is nothing I can say to diminish the pain and the loss that my actions have caused these families.

I am truly sorry.

I know they have said that I don’t feel remorse but nothing could be further from the truth.

My waking hours are consumed with regret and remorse that will remain with me forever.

I cannot sleep for more than a few hours at a time; when I do sleep, I am plagued by nightmares.

I longer enjoy even the simplest pleasures such as spending time with my friends and family.

From the time I had the accident up until now, I still feel it should’ve been me.

I’ve had 73 years, they had 20 years. I had no control over that.”

The Crown is seeking three-to-four years in prison and an eight-year driving prohibition for Deir, convicted on two counts of dangerous driving causing death.

Provincial Court Judge Andrew Brown is scheduled to sentence him on February 6.