More light is being shed on why charges against a former prison guard, accused of running into and killing a young girl on a bicycle, were reduced this week in a Prince Albert court.
Leslie Samoleski pleaded guilty on Monday to possessing a weapon dangerous to the public, careless storage of a firearm and having care or control of a motor vehicle that was involved in an accident resulting in a death.
The plea was in relation to certain events that took place on April 11th.
That’s when 14-year-old Montana Netmaker was riding her bicycle in the city when she was hit by a vehicle.
The driver took off.
Officers later surrounded a home where Samoleski engaged them in a 15-hour standoff.
He was then charged with a number of offences, including impaired driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, failing to remain at the scene of an accident and four weapons charges.
Crown prosecutor John Morrall explains Samoeski’s guilty plea was a factor in the decision, as well as the fact the victim’s family no longer has to sit through a preliminary hearing and a trial.
Morrall stresses the charges remaining against Samoleski are still very serious, and reflect the serious nature of the incident.
Samoleski has since been fired from his job as a guard.
He will be sentenced on April 3rd.