Another court date and another month has passed for the family of cyclist Brad Dean, seeking justice over his death.
Michael Wing Sing Fan was, once more, due to appear at Richmond Provincial Court on Tuesday, charged with driving with undue care and attention after his car allegedly smashed head-on into 33-year-old Dean’s cycling group in east Richmond in November 2016.
However, as was the case in December last year – when Dean’s family, including his wife and baby daughter, packed the small courtroom – the matter was adjourned due to Fan’s lawyer needing more time to review the charge.
As of Tuesday morning, a new court date was still to be set.
Back in December, family and close friends of Dean had waited 13 months for Fan to appear in court and it was over in 60 seconds.
Dean’s father, Tom, told the Richmond News back then that the family “are still shocked that the Crown didn’t follow the police recommendation for criminal proceedings.
“This could actually go all the way through the process and (Fan) may never actually appear, because it’s only a driving offence. It’s a disgrace.”
Dean was killed after he and his group of cyclists were allegedly hit head-on by then 19-year-old driver Fan on River Road.
“The maximum penalty can still mean jail time,” added Tom last year.
“We are looking for at least that kind of penalty, if he’s found guilty.”
Outside the courthouse in December, Brad’s mom, Lianne, said she gets the impression that the justice system in the province can’t cope.
“I do believe the system is overwhelmed and (Crown are) looking for the easiest conviction,” said Lianne, holding a picture of her son and trying to hold back her tears.
Pointing to the picture, she added, “This is who Brad was. Brad was a talented, intelligent, compassionate human being.
“We stand here as his voice. A voice for justice. He would have wanted us to raise these issues.”
