Sentencing begins in York Region officer's death

A man who struck and killed York Regional Police Det.-Const. Robert Plunkett with a car in 2007 appeared before a sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, 23-year-old NadeemJiwa was convicted of manslaughter in Plunkett's death. Plunkett, a 22-year veteran of the force and a father of three,died in August 2007 while investigating air bag thefts.

Plunkett was trying to arrest Jiwa on a residential street in Markham, Ont. Jiwa, who was driving, reversed the car and pinned Plunkett between a tree and the car's open door.

The Crown has asked for a 12- to 14-year prison sentence for Jiwa, arguing this would reflect the level of community outrage at the death of an officer in the line of duty.

The defence argues a sentence of five to seven years better reflects a crime that was unintentional.

During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, Plunkett's family said Jiwa has never shown remorse or sympathy.

"In fact, his family has taken steps to show disdain for the system and have seen him as the victim," said Plunkett's widow Sonja.

York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe said the loss of Plunkett has been keenly felt on the force.

"This has been a very long ordeal, not only for the Plunkett family but for York Region Police," he told CBC News.

Jiwa's sentencing hearing will continue on June 29, when he will likely be sentenced.