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Berner drops request for early release from jail

Driver appealed both her conviction and sentence after killing four-year-old Alexa Middelaer in 2008
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Carol Ann Berner has withdrawn her application for early release from jail.

The woman jailed for killing four-year-old Alexa Middelaer while driving drunk has changed her mind about seeking parole.

Parole Board of Canada officials confirmed Friday that an April 16 date set to hear Carol Ann Berner’s application for early release was cancelled after Berner withdrew the application.

The Delta woman is serving a 2½-year sentence in connection with the May 17, 2008 death of Alexa, who attended preschool in Crescent Beach.

The toddler – the daughter of Southridge Junior School head Laurel Middelaer – died of injuries suffered when Berner drove into her as she stood at the side of a Ladner road with her aunt, feeding a horse. Alexa’s aunt, Daphne, was also struck, and suffered serious injuries.

Found guilty in July 2010 of two counts of impaired driving causing death and bodily harm and two counts of dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm, Berner began serving her sentence in March 2013, following unsuccessful appeals of her convictions and sentence.

In addition to prison time, Berner was handed a five-year driving ban.

She is up for statutory release in November.

Meanwhile, efforts to recognize police officers who put extra focus on getting impaired drivers off the road continues.

Ceremonies inducting officers who remove at least 12 such drivers from the road in a calendar year onto Alexa’s Team are held throughout B.C. – including in South Surrey – annually.

Wednesday, the efforts of more than 100 officers will be celebrated during an event at Southridge School in South Surrey.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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