A man charged in a fatal hit and run in Quinte West in 2024 has been sentenced.
With dozens of family and friends on hand in a Belleville court Wednesday, Justice Howard Chisvin sentenced Dean Potter to a 12-month conditional sentence.
Nine of the 12 months will be served under house arrest while the other three will involve a curfew.
Around 7:45 p.m. on November 14, 2023, 14-year-old (at the time) Seryn Lazzaro was walking along 2nd Dug Hill Road in Quinte West, along with friend 12-year old (at the time) Sierra Maltby.
They were in the area of Trenton Christian School walking north when Lazzaro was struck by an SUV driven by 51-year-old (at the time) Dean Potter.
In an agreed statement of facts, Potter left the scene and continued on his way to drop off a Door Dash order.
Sierra Maltby began CPR and emergency responders took Lazzaro to Sick Kids Hospital where she underwent multiple surgeries.
She died a few days later.
Quinte West OPP charged Potter with failing to stop at an accident resulting in bodily harm.
On Wednesday, October 29 in court, 13 victim impact statements were read by family and friends.
A photo slideshow of Seryn was played as the statements were read.
They painted a picture of a girl full of life and someone who beamed love for family and friends.
They pointed to the struggles of family and friends, including depression, anguish, sadness, and rage.
Statements pointed to the milestones and joys Lazzaro would not get to celebrate because her life was cut short.
The final two statements were by Seryn’s parents Wayne Hamilton and Lisa Lazzaro.
Lisa described her daughter as curious, smart, gentle, and full of wonder.
She said Seryn was not just a daughter, but a cousin, niece, and friend.
She said it was not just one life affected, but hundreds that had been altered.
Crown Lee Burgess stated Potter would have known he did not hit a squirrel, but something of substance.
Burgess says Potter, a former volunteer firefighter would have seen the damage on his vehicle when he got out to make the Door Dash delivery.
On his way home, Potter came back to 2nd Dug Hill Road, seeing numerous emergency vehicles and a closed road.
Later in the evening, Potter is said to have Googled “how to listen to a police scanner,” checked OPP social media channels, and the following morning listened to local radio, before turning himself in to police.
The Crown was seeking 12-15 months in custody, counselling, a DNA order, and a 10-year driving prohibition.
Defense lawyer Ed Kafka stated that Dean Potter began counselling just days after the crash, suffered from guilt, shame, and was diagnosed with PTSD.
He added that the case was not about the crash, but what happened afterwards.
Dozens of character references were provided on behalf of Potter.
The defense says he was involved in the community, had no criminal record, and was the co-chair of the Health and Safety Committee at his place of employment.
Potter’s lawyer said their client invited the police to his home and fully cooperated with their investigation.
He suggested that without Potter’s cooperation, police may never have solved the case.
The defense says Potter has since had suicidal ideation and due to construction in the area on the day of the incident, believed he may have hit a pylon.
They sought a 6-12 month conditional sentence, with the first half being house arrest, the second half a curfew
It would also include a 12-month driving prohibition.
Following final submissions, Potter addressed those in the court room and apologized to the family and supporters of Seryn.
He said he thinks about the family every day and that he understands their hatred of him.
“I am truly sorry,” Dean Potter finished.
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Family and friends of Seryn are requesting that 2nd Dughill Road be renamed Seryn’s Way, in honour of their loved one.
Seryn’s father Wayne places a “Seryn’s Way” sign at the side road memorial on 2nd Dug Hill Road. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
