Quote:
The defence says that if the Crown has not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Stanley’s actions were a marked departure from the standard of care a prudent person would exercise when scared and facing a dangerous situation then you must acquit.
The defence says that at the time of the accident Mr. Stanley feared his wife was trapped under the vehicle and before he could determine whether she was the engine revved up considerably, leaving him no time to consider anything other than the need to turn off the vehicle.
The defence submits it is completely unreasonable to expect Mr. Stanley to stop and clear the gun that he believed on reasonable grounds was empty and disarmed.
The defence says that in the circumstances Mr. Stanley acted reasonably. The defence says that Mr. Stanley was not aware of the hang fire and that even if he had been, he did not have the luxury of carefully counting out the recommended 60 seconds in clearing the gun before he knew that his wife was safe.
The defence submits that Mr. Stanley faced a crisis situation, never intending to hurt anyone and that the only reasonable verdict is acquittal.
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Judges summary of defense position on Manslaughter