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. Alex Willness was found guilty in the death of Const. Allan Young, who passed away several days after an altercation in July 2020 while he was visiting Nelson. Willness was credited for the time spent in custody before his sentencing, and now faces nearly four years in prison.
Young, 55, originally from Scotland, spent four years 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 that the prosecution resulted in a conviction. “However, nothing will bring Const. Young back to his loving family or back to us at the AbbyPD,” the statement said. “Const. Young and his family remain in our thoughts and our hearts.”
The case sheds light on the risks that police officers face even while off-duty, highlighting the dangers of the profession. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and the impact their loss has on their families and colleagues.
The sentencing represents a step toward justice for Const. Young and his loved ones, but it cannot erase the pain of their loss. The memorial of Const. Young and the support for his family continue, keeping his memory alive in the community and beyond. Justice has been served for Const. Young, but his absence leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him.
In conclusion, Alex Willness has been sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of Const. Allan Young, an off-duty Abbotsford police officer who tragically lost his life in July 2020. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, and the impact of their loss on their families and communities.