Photo: The Canadian Press Kenneth Fenton, left, arrives for a sentencing hearing in Western Communities Court in Colwood, BC, on Friday, July 7, 2017, for driving with a disability that caused his death and dangerous driving that caused the death of the RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett on April 5, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS / Chad Hipolito A man convicted of drunk driving and dangerous driving that resulted in the death of an RCMP officer has been released on bail with a warning to stay away from drugs and alcohol and to seek counseling. Ken Fenton was convicted of falling into Const. Sarah Beckett’s cruiser after a red light in April 2016 near Victoria and was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Fenton’s release was suspended in April after he admitted to taking over-the-counter medication in response to anxiety about the upcoming anniversary of the accident. Canada’s release decision released on Tuesday says a urine test also showed illegal drugs and his release was suspended. He says Fenton has spent long periods in the community without problems, has found a full-time job and has the support of a friend and family member. In reversing the suspension, the board says it is concerned that it may not follow the rules of the marijuana prescription program and the negative emotions make it turn to alcohol, but because it is nearing the end of the sentence, access to support is essential for to be able to reintegrate into society. Fenton told the board he felt he had come a long way since his conviction. “You have also written a letter to the board explaining how your alcohol addiction developed during adolescence and young adulthood,” the ruling said. “You have expressed remorse for the harm you have done to the victim and his family, and you say that conditional success and recovery from your addiction problems are your top priorities.”
