Wrong-way driver jailed

[projekktor id=’25259′]

Ricardo Cabral began serving his sentence today. He’s the man who drove his truck the wrong way on Highway 403 before crashing into and killing a Hamilton by-law officer. Two weeks ago Cabral was sentenced to five years in jail but he only turned himself today after completing his electricians exam.

Luanne and Terry Powless say they finally feel some relief knowing the man who killed their son is now behind bars. 29 year old Ryan Powless was a Hamilton bylaw officer.

In the early morning hours of May 16th of last year, Cabral’s truck was seen on traffic cameras, first travelling the wrong way down Highway 407 then the wrong way on Highway 403. Many drivers swerved to miss him but just east of Waterdown road he hit Powless’ silver Nissan head-on. Powless died at the scene. His friend Brianne Vassallo was in the passenger seat and survived the crash, she was fighting back tears as she left court.

On top of Cabral’s five year sentence he is also banned from driving for eight years following his release. He is eligible for parole after serving only one third that sentence, which means he could potentially only be behind bars for a little over a year and a half. It’s something that doesn’t sit right with Powless’ parents.

“It’s pretty sad that a life is only worth that much.”

Cabral’s blood alcohol level was well over the legal limit.