A driver who killed a father in a high-speed Montreal street race blames the “empty” roads during the pandemic and the “bad” influence of his accomplice. The Crown is calling for a “heavy” five-year sentence against this “thrill” lover.
Updated yesterday at 5:33pm.
“I’ve lost more than my son’s father, I’ve lost my best friend and the love of my life,” breathed Victoria Billingy, wife of Kevin Jones-Bynoe, Thursday during observations of ‘Ilias El-Azali’s verdict. The 30-year-old from Montreal pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and a fatal hit and run last December.
Kevin Jones-Bynoe returns home in a north Montreal taxi just before 3am on November 8, 2020. The 32-year-old recently celebrated his son’s first birthday. While crossing the Rue De Salaberry junction, the taxi was hit head-on by Ilias El Azali’s vehicle, which was going through the red light at full speed.
PHOTO FROM VICTORIA BILLINGY’S FACEBOOK PAGE
Kevin Jones-Bynoe and his son
The images of the clash submitted as evidence are extremely violent. Kevin Jones-Bynoe didn’t stand a chance. According to an expert, the accused was traveling at more than 100 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. According to a witness, his speed even reached 180 km/h. He was followed by another vehicle driven by an acquaintance named “Alexandre”.
” [Alexandre] started to accelerate. It was a bad influence. It made me want to go faster. It didn’t last long, but it caused the accident. It was a lack of judgement. it was covid The streets were empty,” defended Ilias El Azali, emphasizing his deep remorse in broad strokes.
After the collision, Ilias El Azali got out of his vehicle and then got into his accomplice’s limousine. A few seconds later he turned to retrieve an item from his car. In the morning he informed the police that his vehicle had been stolen.
Ilias El Azali blames the mysterious Alexandre. “He strongly influenced me to flee. I was shocked. He had my head full,” he explains. If the defendant didn’t go to the victims, it was because he believed it wasn’t “that bad”. “I was out of my mind,” he continues.
Crown Prosecutor Me Anik Archambault points to numerous aggravating factors to justify the imposition of a “heavy” five-year sentence, including the link to street racing and the fact that the accused has already lost his driver’s license for exceeding the speed limit at 90 km/h Driven to the limit is the maximum speed allowed. “Obviously he ignored that warning,” she pleaded.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPVM
The vehicle driven by Ilias El Azali during the fatal collision
The defense is asking for a two-year sentence due to “numerous” mitigating circumstances. Me Stéphanie Basso was very adamant about her client’s remorse and her empathy towards the victim’s family. His risk of recidivism is “low” and he remains an asset to society, argues the defense.
The public prosecutor’s office is demanding a driving ban for seven years, against four years for the defense.
The judge will announce his verdict next month.