Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the House a deplorable excuse that is being used by murderers in our country in order to receive lighter sentences. It is called cocaine psychosis and has affected yet another court case in British Columbia.
Dale Hicks was convicted for manslaughter, not murder, in the brutal killings of two women in their home. One of his victims was pregnant and was stabbed 17 times.
The judge ruled that the deaths are considered manslaughter because Hicks, who was high on cocaine at the time, was afflicted with cocaine psychosis and was unaware of his actions.
He was sentenced to 10 years but could be out in three and half years if he behaves in prison; three and a half years for taking the lives of two innocent people. To top it off, his lawyers have appealed the sentence, calling it excessive.
By taking an illegal drug this killer has been allowed to get away with murder. It is time justice is served by making criminals accountable for their actions-no excuses any more.