NELSON, B.C. — A man from Castlegar, B.C. has been sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of an off-duty Abbotsford police officer, Const. Allan Young. The incident took place in July 2020, and Young passed away several days after an altercation while visiting Nelson, B.C.
Alex Willness, the convicted individual, received 405 days’ credit for time spent in custody before being sentenced and has been ordered to serve the remaining nearly four years in prison. The 55-year-old Const. Young had moved to Canada from Scotland in 1997 and had served with the Toronto Police Service before joining the Abbotsford police in 2004.
The Abbotsford Police Department issued a statement calling Young’s death “senseless and unnecessary” but expressed relief at the conviction resulting from the prosecution. The statement also expressed condolences to Young’s family and emphasized that he and his family remain in their thoughts and hearts. Young’s passing led to an outpouring of support and remembrance within the community and law enforcement.
The conviction and sentencing of Willness mark a significant step in seeking justice for the loss of Const. Allan Young. This case serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, and the impact of their loss on their families and colleagues. The tragic incident has brought attention to the dedicated service of Young and the importance of safeguarding the well-being of law enforcement members.
As a result of the altercation in July 2020, a B.C. man has been sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of off-duty Abbotsford police officer Const. Allan Young. The Abbotsford Police Department has expressed relief at the conviction and offered condolences to Young’s family. This report was first published on January 11, 2024.