Life Sentence Avoided for Homicide — R. v. Q.S.

R. v. Q.S. – MF was co-counsel for Q.S. on a charge of second degree murder.  It was a very strong case – arguably a case of first degree murder. Shortly before the incident, Q.S. had told a friend, that he was going to “run that [expletive] down”.  It was alleged that proceeded to drive down a narrow alleyway and kill the deceased with his car. MF and his co-counsel used the preliminary inquiry to highlight the weaknesses of the Crown’s case, including elements of self-defence and intoxication.  After the preliminary inquiry, Q.S. pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and avoided a life sentence.