The real-life story of a Brampton man who was given a reprieve by a judge and turned his life around could soon be fodder for fables.And that’s because Bill C10, expected to pass into law in Canada by the end of March, will make second chances a thing of the past. Instead, the bill’s mandatory minimum sentences will make sure that people like Maxwell Beech go to jail.
Beech was charged with gun and drug-related offences seven years ago, but by the time he appeared for sentencing before Judge Hugh Atwood he had found God.
On that fateful day, Beech remembers, “I really deserved to have had the book thrown at me.”
But he told the judge, “I want you to know I’m a changed man,” and explained how he wanted to be a good dad to his newborn son.
Instead of sentencing Beech to the Crown’s recommended four years, Judge Hugh Atwood allowed him to serve 90 days on weekends.
On Thursday, the Star’s Jennifer Pagliaro told the story of how Beech brought a Brampton courtroom to tears this week when he stopped in unannounced to thank Atwood for giving him the chance to turn his life around. The father of four now runs his own business installing blinds and home security systems.