A mother sobbed into her son's baby blanket during a sentencing hearing in an Edmonton courtroom Monday when she learned his killer could be free from jail in 18 months or less.

The family of Adam Groves speaks to media outside the Edmonton courthouse Monday following the sentencing of Jonathan Cardinal. (Rick Bremness/CBC) Adam Groves died while trying to stop Jonathan Jake Cardinal, who was high on methamphetamine and on the run from police, from stealing his pickup truck outside his Rundle Park home two years ago.

Cardinal was sentenced Monday to 4 1/2 years for dangerous driving causing death, theft, and driving while disqualified, but with credit for time served he could be out in 18 months.

Judge Kirk MacDonald called Cardinal's actions "willful, deliberate and extraordinarily reckless", with 67 previous criminal convictions on his record, including four for fleeing from police.

"It is Mr. Cardinal's habit to flee from police in a motor vehicle," MacDonald said. "He is a danger to the public."

Jonathan Jake Cardinal, 33, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for killing Adam Groves while stealing his pickup truck. (Edmonton Police Service) Cardinal, 33, explained to a probation officer he strongly distrusts police.

"In the past," he said, "I've been beat up and scarred by police, so when I see them, I automatically run."

The career criminal claims he had no idea he backed over Groves' body when he slammed the stolen truck into reverse.

The judge speculated he may have been too impaired to notice. But he believes Cardinal feels remorse in the death of the father of two.

MacDonald noted Cardinal considered suicide when he found out what he did to Groves.

"Mr. Cardinal is a danger to the community and he will continue to be a danger if he does not get his addictions under control," the judge said.

In her victim impact statement, Groves mother Lorette Schafers she is "sick at heart," over the sentence.

"I find it very disturbing and offensive that with this revolving-door legal system another family will be traumatized," she said.

"A repetitive, dangerous criminal such as Jonathan Cardinal should be held accountable for the choices he makes."

The Crown had asked for up to 4 1/2 years while the defence recommended 33 months.