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Moments after sentencing a sobbing B.C. man to 2-1/2 years in a federal penitentiary for a drunk-driving death, a Calgary judge told the offender to “suck it up (and) move on.”

Justice John Rooke said Sean Terrence Letwin made a terrible error, but instead of allowing that mistake to define his life he should work to better himself.

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“You can’t change the past, but you can change the future and you can change the future for yourself and for your family and the victims and any potential victims,” Rooke said.

“Don’t overplay this card, get your life back on track,” the Court of Queen’s Bench judge said.

“You made a terrible error, you’re going to pay for that terrible error.

“Suck it up, move on, show that you’re a man, and do it for yourself and your family.”

Rooke accepted a joint submission from Crown prosecutor Ron Simenik and defence counsel Danusia Bourdon for a 30-month sentence and a five-year driving prohibition.