NELSON, British Columbia – The man who fatally attacked off-duty Abbotsford police Constable Allan Young with a skateboard has been sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter.
Alex Willness received the sentence in B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday after being found guilty of manslaughter last year. With credit for time served, his term will be three years and 325 days.
The incident occurred on a main street in Nelson on July 16, 2020, when Willness struck Young in the head with his skateboard. Witnesses testified that Willness and two friends had been causing a disturbance at a nearby restaurant patio, prompting Young to confront them.
The confrontation escalated when Young told the men to stop, and Willness hit him in the head with his skateboard. As a result, Young suffered an open skull fracture and bleeding in the brain and died five days later in Kelowna General Hospital.
In response to the sentencing, the Abbotsford Police Department expressed relief that Willness had been convicted and sentenced but emphasized that nothing could bring Young back to his family or colleagues.
Constable Young, who was a 20-year veteran of the police department, was described as a beloved member of the force, and his death was deemed senseless and unnecessary by the police force.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of violence and the lasting impact it can have on families, communities, and law enforcement agencies. Despite the conviction and sentencing of Willness, the loss of Constable Young’s life continues to be deeply felt by those who knew and worked alongside him.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Alex Willness to five years in prison for the manslaughter of Constable Allan Young has provided a small measure of closure for his family and colleagues. The tragic and senseless nature of the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of violent actions and their far-reaching impact.