Mark Squires welcomed his second child just 19 days before tragically losing his life. His daughter, who is almost three years old, now looks at photos of her late father, curious about the man she will never get to meet. This heartbreaking circumstance was a focal point during a sentencing hearing in St. John’s, where a provincial court judge raised concerns about the effectiveness of current penalties for impaired driving in deterring individuals from driving under the influence.
The court learned that Rodney Constantine consumed up to 15 drinks during a night out in December 2023 in St. John’s. After an argument with an ex-partner, Constantine drove his car with passengers, including Andrew and Mark Squires, the latter being Mark’s cousin. Despite their pleas, Constantine drove recklessly, reaching speeds of over 128 kilometers per hour in a 50 km/h zone. The car eventually crashed, resulting in Mark Squires’ tragic death.
Judge Bruce Short criticized Constantine’s actions, emphasizing that the accident was entirely preventable. Constantine, who was sentenced to five years in prison, had also been caught driving recklessly while under a driving ban post-accident. Short highlighted the lack of significant deterrents in place, questioning the effectiveness of fines and programs such as the ignition interlock system.
Regarding the sentencing decision, Short initially rejected a joint submission for a four-year term, deeming it too lenient. He expressed disappointment in Constantine’s behavior following the fatal crash, including subsequent run-ins with the law. The judge emphasized the need for stricter penalties to combat impaired driving effectively.
After the sentencing, the Squires family expressed their gratitude for the judge’s firm stance against impaired driving. They erected a memorial at the crash site, honoring Mark Squires’ memory and hoping for closure. Family members shared their sorrow and highlighted the devastating impact of impaired driving on families who have lost loved ones to such tragedies.
