No Driving Ban for Man Who Caused Life-Changing Injuries at Casino

_{Grand Villa Casino parkade in Vancouver is the site of the incident. (Image: ANDRYPHOT / Alamy)}

A 67-year-old man who backed into a casino parkade, hitting a 74-year-old woman and leaving her with life-changing injuries, has been spared a driving ban.

The incident happened in August 2023 at the Grand Villa Casino Parkade in Vancouver, Canada. 

The 67-year-old man named as Weeton Yee appeared at B.C. Provincial Court on Wednesday (Jan 9) charged with driving without due care and attention. Yee pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a $2,000 fine. 

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Life-Changing Injuries Described in Court

It is understood that the woman suffered life-changing injuries, including a fractured skull, as a result of the accident.  

Crown prosecutor Lee Vandergust detailed that Szeto suffered a skull fracture, leading to multiple surgeries, seizures, and significant memory loss. 

Before the incident, she was active and independent. In a victim impact statement, her son Wilson described the accident as "life-changing" for their family. 

Accident Result of Brief Lapse in Attention 

Vandergust characterised the incident as a "true accident" resulting from a brief lapse in Yee's attention, while defence lawyer Jeremy Allingham emphasised that Yee was not speeding, impaired, or reckless. 

Yee expressed deep remorse during the court proceedings, noting he has no prior criminal record and has completed a remedial driving course.  

Judge Jennifer Oulton acknowledged Yee's sincerity and the impact on Szeto's family, ultimately agreeing that the proposed penalty was appropriate. Yee remains the sole carer for his wife, who has faced her own health challenges.