SURREY — A Surrey man cried Thursday when a provincial court judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Edward Joseph Biwer, 26, was sentenced in Surrey provincial court in connection with a 2014 crime spree, two days before Christmas, in which he carjacked a pickup truck with a pregnant woman inside then stole an SUV with a seven-week old baby girl in the back seat.
Biwer dumped a stolen car, tried to steal a woman’s car keys outside a strip mall on Fraser Highway, and then stole the pickup. It crashed after the pregnant woman grabbed the steering wheel and fought for control. He then bailed out of the overturned truck, stole the SUV with the baby inside, and left the vehicle in an alley. The baby sustained a mild concussion and Biwer was arrested at a crack house nearby.
Biwer was found guilty of two counts of robbery, assault causing bodily harm, attempted robbery, using a fake gun during an attempted robbery, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and possessing a stolen vehicle.
He originally faced 18 charges.
Judge Donald Gardner agreed with Crown prosecutor Winston Sayson’s argument that Biwer be sentenced to 10 years jail and an eight year driving prohibition. The defence argued for a six-year-sentence and called the Crown’s position “heavy handed.”
There are six years and eight months remaining after credit for time served and application of principles from Regina v. Gladue and Section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code governing the sentencing of aboriginal people.
Sayson said Biwer demonstrated the “sincerity of his remorse” by calling the judge a “f—ing goof” after the sentence was delivered.
“The 10-year-sentence and the lengthy driving prohibition imposed should serve as a deterrent to those who commit violent crimes while under the influence of drugs,” Sayson said.
“The crimes committed by Biwer have caused great harm and trauma to many innocent victims and their families. This sentence is an apt denunciation by the court of such senseless acts.
“The Crown is grateful for the courageous testimony from our victims and witnesses,” Sayson added. “The Crown commends the excellent investigation conducted by the Surrey RCMP.”
