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BORIS MINKEVICH FREE PRESS FILES Brad Skawretko admits to driving 110 km-h in an 80 km-h zone, blowing through a red light and T-boning another vehicle that was passing through the intersection of Grassmere Road and McPhillips Street.

The Crown is seeking a five-year prison sentence for a Winnipeg man who killed a young motorist while driving drunk.

Brad Skawretko, 35, pleaded guilty to the November 2010 tragedy which occurred in West St. Paul. He admits driving 110 km-h in an 80 km-h zone, blowing through a red light and "T-boning" another vehicle which was passing through the intersection of Grassmere Road and McPhillips Street.

Skawretko had nearly triple the legal limit of alcohol in his system at the time. He appeared in court today for sentencing, where his lawyer requested a two-year prison sentence.

Queen’s Bench Justice Brenda Keyser has reserved her decision until Dec. 9.

"I am so sorry for causing so much sadness. I can only imagine the anger Brett’s family and friends have for me," Skawretko said today. "I can only pray for their forgiveness. I will never forget that night. Please know it has changed my life forever."

Brett Yasinsky, 22, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead in hospital. His mother and aunt presented powerful victim impact statements in court Monday, describing their loss and anger.

"How could you ever be normal after seeing your dead child?" Yasinsky’s mother, Connie Jaman, told court. "There are no adequate words to describe my pain and despair. Brett was an awesome young man with a huge heart and a wonderful soul."

More than 1,000 people attended Yasinsky’s funeral, court was told.

"The quiet in our house is deafening. I hate it," said his aunt, Melody Bodnarchuk. She is now the president of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in Manitoba.

"I have to continue to honour Brett this way," she said.

Yasinsky was one week away from doing his testing to become a Winnipeg Transit driver. His ultimate goal was to join the Winnipeg Police Service. On the day of his death, he had just been asked to be the best man at his friend’s wedding.

Yasinsky was on his way to the movies when he was struck and killed. He had left home just minutes earlier.

Skawretko wasn't charged until September 2011, nearly a year after the fatal collision, following an extensive RCMP investigation.

Defence lawyer Josh Weinstein told court potential issues included how a blood sample had expired, potential legal problems with the breath demand made by RCMP and the fact Skawretko's level of intoxication may have been affected by anti-anxiety medication in his system.

Skawretko has been free on bail since his arrest.

www.mikeoncrime.com