Executive Summary
- Austin Deir has pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing death regarding a January 2024 crash.
- The collision on the Trans-Canada Highway resulted in the deaths of Haley Keating and Erin Pretty.
- Impaired driving charges against Deir were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence regarding alcohol levels.
- Family members delivered emotional victim impact statements in a Clarenville courtroom under high security.
- Sentencing submissions are expected to conclude shortly, with a decision likely in the new year.
CLARENVILLE, Newfoundland – A provincial courtroom in Clarenville was the scene of emotional testimony on Monday as the sentencing hearing resumed for Austin Deir, a man who has pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing death in connection with a fatal January 2024 collision. Family members of the victims, Haley Keating and Erin Pretty, delivered victim impact statements detailing the profound loss experienced since the crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Arnold’s Cove.
According to court reports, the collision occurred on January 21, 2024, when Deir’s SUV crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a Hyundai carrying the two 22-year-old women. Erin Pretty was pronounced dead at the scene, while Haley Keating succumbed to her injuries on January 28 following multiple surgeries. Deir, a labour leader in his 70s from Mount Pearl, subsequently entered guilty pleas to the dangerous driving charges.
Witnesses in the courtroom described a tense atmosphere as Kelly Tulk, Keating’s mother, addressed Deir directly from the witness box. Tulk expressed the devastating impact of the tragedy on her family, stating that the victims had been given a “death sentence” due to the defendant’s actions. The court heard that Deir remained attentive and composed throughout the proceedings, which were attended by a heavy security presence including RCMP officers and sheriffs.
While Deir initially faced charges of impaired driving causing death, those counts were withdrawn last spring. Judge Andrew Brown ruled that the Crown had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that alcohol played a role in the crash, noting that Deir’s blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit, though samples indicated the presence of anxiety medication. The defense and prosecution are expected to make sentencing submissions soon, with a final decision anticipated in the new year.
Legal Ramifications and Procedural Next Steps
The withdrawal of the impaired driving charges shifts the legal focus strictly to the sentencing guidelines for dangerous driving causing death. The court must now balance the gravity of the loss, articulated through dozens of victim impact statements, against the statutory requirements and precedents for the specific charges to which the defendant has pleaded guilty. It is important to note that while Austin Deir has admitted guilt regarding the dangerous driving counts, the initial charges of impaired driving were withdrawn, and under the judicial system, individuals are presumed innocent of any charges until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
