The father of a young woman killed in a hit and run in Kamloops has decided he will not be in court next week when the accused driver enters a plea.
According to his lawyer 43 year old Jason Gourlay will plead guilty to a 2016 hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 17 year old Jennifer Gatey of Kamloops.
A date for sentencing will be set next week.
Gatey’s father Cameron won’t be in court but he is hoping the guilty plea will be another step towards closure for his devastated family.
“It is hard to explain I realize that. I hope everyone appreciates these are very complex emotions and it is a difficult thing to nail down absolutely but just the way I feel in my heart of hearts is that this is the end of a chapter and I’m grateful that the chapter seems to be closing.”
Gatey says being in court will not address the loss of his daughter.
“Regardless of what happened it is not going to change the fundemental thing and that is that our daughter is gone. That for us has always been the important part. She was a big part of our life and we loved her dearly and we still do love her dearly.”
Gourlay was charged with failure to stop at an accident scene and attempting to obstruct justice in connection with the death.
His next court appearance is set for next Monday and he is facing three charges.