OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 19, 2009 · 4 JUNE FURNITURE SALE Fine Children's Furniture, Linen and Decor Parents still grieve for son Continued from page 1 20% Off All New Orders * *Sale ends June 30, 2009 2111 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga facing Dundas Street West (2 blocks west of Erin Mills Pkwy) www.aroomofmyown.net 905-828-2525 for the tragic events that occurred on June 21, 2008. Hamel, 24, died after falling out of a boat being driven by Betteridge. The court heard that the accident followed an afternoon of drinking. Hamel and Betteridge, along with a third man, had been playing a game, wherein they took turns riding on the bow of the swerving boat, court was told. Judge Evans noted that "it would be naive to think this sentence would bring closure to the Hamel family." Betteridge's sentence, he said, would be just "one step" on the Hamel family's healing journey. In making his judgment, Evans said the sentence sought a balance that reflects a just and appropriate result for the events that occurred. "He (Betteridge) will clearly carry this burden the rest of his life," said Evans. Betteridge, he noted, is now "a changed person, who is willing to do what he can to inform others about the dangers of mixing alcohol and boating." He pointed out the non-judgmental attitude Hamel's family has carried for Betteridge throughout the trial. Betteridge is to serve out his prison term at the minimum security Beaver Creek Correctional Institute in Gravenhurst. Outside the courtroom following the sentencing, Hamel's family reacted calmly to the verdict. "It doesn't bring Steven back," said his father Michel Hamel. "But the fact that he (Betteridge) went to a penitentiary under these circumstances, I think is appropriate. I really hope it sends a message to the young people who even think of drinking and driving a car or a boat." Hamel noted it's been almost a year since his son's death, but it's "not any easier at all." "Today's probably harder because it's almost the anniversary day of his death," he said. Steven's mother Jayne Hamel said people still don't realize the dangers of drinking and driving. "People need to realize that (the concept of) drinking and driving does not just apply to cars, it does apply to boats," she said. Jayne Hamel also spoke about her family's non-judgmental attitude toward Betteridge. "The reason I didn't have a lot of anger towards Andrew is because I am a mother of three boys. I think that most people, no matter what age we are ... sometimes (do) not make the right choices. "With drinking and driving he (Betteridge) did make that (wrong) choice. But I know it wasn't intentional. People always deserve to have a second chance. I hope that everybody learns from this so that all young people are safe out there in the waters." Steven's aunt Sue Lytle said the tragedy and the after-affects on Steven's loved ones continue to break her heart. "It's not going to bring that beautiful boy back," she said of the sentence. She, too, hopes people begin treating waterways like roadways. Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. A WORLD OF INSPIRATION We can transform any space! Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Napoleon LHD48 Visit our showroom to see this model and all our 35 models burning on display. Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot 3600 Laird Rd., Units 12 & 13 Mississauga, ON Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 www.ontariohearth.com 905.569.2404 www.factorytiledepot.ca