Regan Russell was demonstrating at a pig slaughterhouse when she was struck by a truck
A truck driver has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of a 65-year-old animal rights activist.
Andrew Blake appeared by video today before an Ontario court and pleaded guilty to the provincial offence.
Regan Russell was demonstrating outside a pig slaughterhouse west of Toronto on June 19, 2020 when she was run over by a semi-trailer as it pulled into the plant.
An agreed statement of facts, read by the Crown prosecutor, said Blake should have been aware Russell was standing near the driveway and eventual path of his truck when he turned into the Fearmans Pork plant.
Russell's elderly parents delivered victim impact statements, their voice breaking as they told the court about the devastating loss of a beloved daughter and caregiver.
Fellow animal rights activists with Toronto Pig Save stood outside the courthouse this morning, holding banners and posters with Russell's face and name.
Health and safety professionals managing worksites involving trucks and other heavy machinery will want to make sure they have traffic plans built into their safety management systems.
Workplace incidents involving protesters also became more prevalent during the pandemic, particularly at hospitals, and workers need to be made aware if there is potential for them to encounter protesters, striking workers, or other types of demonstrators at a work site.
