VIDEO: 6 years in jail for drunk driver responsible for fatal hit & run in Parksville

“A sentence can do nothing to bring back the victim of this tragedy. The sentence today should not be considered a value on Mr. Moore’s life, which everybody would agree is priceless,” Judge Whonnock said of Moore, whom she called a big-hearted man.

Prior the incident, Grob was cut off from buying more drinks by staff at Parksville’s Rod & Gun Bar and Grill. He left the bar behind the wheel of his truck after arguing with a man who was adamant Grob should not have been driving.

The longtime Errington resident was also using cocaine the night in question.

Ryan John Grob, 36, addressed waiting media outside the Nanaimo courthouse on Friday, Sept. 3 prior to his sentencing in the death of Spencer Alexander Moore. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Whonnock expanded on Grob’s post-offence conduct during her hour long ruling.

She highlighted how Grob lied to police during their investigation in an attempt to cover-up his actions, including claiming his truck was stolen.

“Mr. Grob’s multiple actions to deceive police were reprehensible. On top of the false police report, the further recruitment of two friends in perpetuating a falsehood to the police is aggravating.”

Judge Whonnock said Grob’s decision to attempt to deceive police were calculated, elevating his level of moral blameworthiness.

“These actions are very troubling to me. I have not seen a similar case with such aggravated elements that matches the deceitful acts of concealment of Mr. Grob.”

Crown counsel eventually approved charges against Grob and the passenger more than a year later in October, 2020. Grob offered a late guilty plea to impaired driving causing death this past February.

During recent sentencing arguments, the Crown’s Nick Barber outlined Grob’s extensive driving record, including several impaired driving and speeding offences.

“It was almost certain that something was going to happen. This is not an accident at all, there is nothing accidental about this,” Barber said.

Grob continued driving as a prohibited motorist after Moore’s death.

His lawyer told the court Grob’s life derailed after separating with his wife in 2018, resulting in falling further into despair with alcohol and drug use.

Grob reported he “went off the deep-end” after the the separation and has not seen his children since Moore’s death.

In pre-sentence reports Grob stated his willingness to take residential treatment programs for his alcohol and drug misuse.

He has attended alcohol treatment meetings and other forms of counselling since the incident, court was told.

Judge Whonnock said Grob was remorseful and broke into tears while recounting details of his actions during a pair interviews for pre-sentence reports and during the sentencing process.

She stated Grob’s strong employment history bodes well in assisting during his rehabilitative path.

Moore was remembered during emotionally-charged victim impact statements from loved ones struggling to exist without the infectious, loving Moore in their lives.

Spencer Alexander Moore was remembered by loved ones as a genuine man who put his family and friends first. (Spencer Alexander Moore — Answers & Justice/Facebook)

The Crown requested a six year jail sentence against Grob, while the defence countered with three-and-a-half to four years in prison.

Judge Whonnock had considered 8-years behind bars for Grob.

The sentencing range for impaired driving causing death typically spans between two and 10 years in jail.

Travis Zackery Taylor, who was a passenger in Grob’s truck during the hit and run, is scheduled be sentenced on an obstruction charge on Oct. 20.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

VIDEO: 6 years in jail for drunk driver responsible for fatal hit & run in Parksville

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