Austin Deir will serve two concurrent three year jail sentences for dangerous driving causing the deaths of two young women, meaning a total of three years in prison.
The collision that claimed the lives of 22-year-old friends Haley Keating and Erin Pretty happened just over two years ago on January 21st, 2024.
An SUV driven by Deir, who is now 73, crossed the centre line of the TCH near Arnold’s Cove and struck the car the two women were in head-on.
Family members and supporters of the families have been following the case very closely (VOCM News)
Deir was initially staring down charges of impaired as well, but those were dropped as the crown couldn’t prove he was over the limit at the time.
In handing down his decision in Clarenville provincial court this morning, Judge Andrew Brown noted that there were several factors he had to weigh.
He described the “enormous and heartbreaking toll” the situation has taken on the victim’s families, which was underscored by open sobbing in the courtroom as he read aloud the graphic details of injuries suffered in the crash. He also noted the emotionally-charged public response to the case, and that Deir was seen to have been driving recklessly for about 10 minutes leading up to the crash.
However, Judge Brown also acknowledged Deir’s spotless criminal record and upstanding reputation preceding the crash, his guilty pleas in the case, and remorse shown for the situation -quoting him as saying that he wished he had died in the crash instead.
In addition to the three year federal prison sentence, Deir will also be subject to a four year driving prohibition upon release.
Haley Keating (left) and Erin Pretty. (Facebook)
