Dragging death driver sentenced to 9 years

The 17-year-old boy convicted in the dragging death of Maple Ridge gas station attendant Grant De Patie has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Grant De Patie, 24, died trying to stop the theft of $12.30 worth of gas. (CBC)

De Patie was dragged for more than seven km to his death under a stolen car last year after trying to stop the young driver from leaving the station without paying for $12.30 worth of gas.

The teen had been drinking heavily before he and friends stole the car, which was low on gas. They then went to the Esso station where De Patie was working to fill it up, and fled without paying.

• FROM APRIL 20, 2006: Teen driver 'deeply sorry' for killing gas attendant

The young offender's identity had been under a publication ban during trial. But now he has been sentenced as an adult, his name can be released. He is 17-year-old Darnell Pratt.

Pratt had originally been charged with second-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The Crown had been asking for a 10-year sentence, which would mean a maximum of another eight years behind bars because of time already served. The defence had asked for a sentence half of that.

During the sentencing hearing earlier this year, the Crown cited testimony by witnesses that the young driver had admitted to them that he hit De Patie, and told them he heard the victim's screams coming from beneath the car.

Prosecutor Christopher McPherson described Pratt's actions as the most "wanton, reckless" behaviour imaginable.

In sentencing the 17-year-old to nine years, Justice Lance Bernard called the crime "gruesome and torturous." He also noted that no matter how much time the young offender spends in jail, he will still be a young man, while De Patie will still be dead.

Victim's parents dissatisfied with sentence

Grant De Patie's parents, Corinne and Doug De Patie, aren't happy with the nine-year sentence (CBC)

The prosecutors say the sentence was stiff, noting that a nine-year jail term for a young offender convicted of manslaughter is rare. But Grant de Patie's parents say the sentence isn't long enough to satisfy them.

"I would probably not be happy with any decision that the judge handed down," said his mother, Corinne De Patie.

De Patie's father, Doug De Patie, noted that if Pratt behaves himself in prison, he could be released in as little as three years.

"I really don't think that having him in for three years is going to send a message to other 'gas and dashers' and car thieves and so forth, that they should change their ways."

• RELATED STORY: Dead man's father campaign for gas attendant safety

Both parents said they feel sorry for the young man who killed their son, and they now want to move on with their lives.

"It's relieving I want to move on in my journey now. Perhaps I can heal," said the victim's mother.

• FOR THE RECORD: The parents of Grant De Patie speak with reporters outside B,C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.