"Notwithstanding the physical condition of the accused, this sentence does not reflect the principles of accountability referenced in the Youth Criminal Justice Act nor is it what Garrett's family and colleagues were hoping the result would be," Jolliffe said.

The trial heard that the teen had taken the van without his parents' knowledge or permission, as he had in the past, and was driving it — without a licence — with three passengers when he was pulled over for speeding.

Styles conducted the traffic stop in East Gwillimbury in June 2011, and court heard that the teen asked the officer to let him go so he could avoid his parents' detection. The trial also heard that the teen refused to get out of the vehicle when ordered to do so.

Police said the minivan then suddenly accelerated and dragged Styles, who was hanging onto the driver's door, across a highway and into a ditch before losing control and rolling on top of him.

Sosna acknowledged the "horrific and painful impact" Styles' death had on his family and friends, acknowledging the officer's widow and two young children in particular. He also noted the "profound" effect the officer's death had on the community he served.

The judge found, however, that the teen had not engaged in a malevolent act.

"I find fleeing the traffic stop was an impulsive and irrational act, but not an act of viciousness," he said.

Sosna also noted that the teen has said he never intended to take Styles' life and was "very sad" about what had happened.

The teen's defence lawyer had asked for no time in custody, arguing that his condition as a result of the crash was sentence enough.

The Crown asked for a sentence of five years in "open custody" and four years of community supervision. It recommended a facility in Milton, Ont., which is wheelchair accessible, for the open custody portion of the sentence.

Sosna, however, had serious doubts about the facility's ability to meet S.K.'s many needs.

"I find S.K.'s medical needs are extensive, profound and all-encompassing, requiring virtually 24-hour, seven-day-a-week diligence," he said. "Presently those needs are unable to be addressed."

Court heard that S.K. has no use of his hands or feet and needs assistance with a myriad of tasks, including bathing, feeding and using the washroom, throughout the day. The teen also has to be rolled over in bed twice every night, has to be regularly monitored for medical complications related to his condition and has had his life expectancy cut short by 25 years, court heard.

"Accountability is a central issue in this case," Sosna said. "S.K. by his own folly, which culminated in the catastrophic injuries he sustained, has already been rendered accountable for the murder of Const. Styles."

Sosna found that the teen's age at the time of the incident, the lack of a previous record, his reputation as a good student, the unconditional support of his family and his injuries were mitigating factors in the case.

He also found that, despite the teen's disability, the youth has proven he is motivated to pursue higher education and contribute to society.

"I find that rehabilitation is not necessary," Sosna said. "S.K. is rehabilitated."

Among the conditions the teen now has to live under is a requirement he speak publicly three times a year for the next four years about what led to his injuries to deter others from making "the same inappropriate decisions," Sosna said.

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By Diana Mehta, The Canadian Press