Crown seeking two year sentence for taxi robbery

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on February 17, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 33-year-old woman who attacked and robbed a Lethbridge taxi driver more than two years ago, could face up to two years in jail if the judge accepts a recommendation by the Crown.
The Crown is asking that Kimberlie Rose Eagle Speaker receive a jail sentence between 18 and 24 months, even though a longer sentence would generally be expected given the offences. The Crown recommended, however, a lower sentence to reflect Eagle Speaker’s personal circumstances, and her earlier guilty pleas to robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.
Lethbridge lawyer Vincent Guinan is seeking a sentence of four to six months in jail, and said the woman who was in court Tuesday is a far different person from the homeless and drug-addicted woman who attacked the cab driver in 2019.
Eagle Speaker, who appeared in court by CCTV, apologized to her victim, who also appeared remotely and forgave Eagle Speaker. He pointed out, however, her actions forever changed the way he looks at people who get in his taxi, and for that he is angry.
On Nov. 11, 2019 the taxi driver picked up Eagle Speaker and another woman from a convenience store on 13 Street North about 7:40 a.m. and was told to drive to a northside residence. As they approached their destination, Eagle Speaker, who was sitting in the front seat, pulled out a knife and demanded money.
The driver stopped and eventually managed to flee, but not before Eagle Speaker cut him with the knife during a struggle.
The women, who drove away in the cab, made off with $35, a $600 tablet and $500 cellphone.
About an hour later police noticed Eagle Speaker standing on 5 Avenue North, and she asked the officer why there were police cars in the area. The woman, who appeared to be dope sick, matched the description of the taxi robber and was arrested and taken to the police station.
Shortly afterward an officer stopped a motor vehicle, and determined the passenger was the other woman involved in the robbery. She was arrested and eventually confessed to police. She told police that after Eagle Speaker sped away in the taxi, she became frightened and ran from the vehicle when Eagle Speaker stopped shortly afterward.
Eagle Speaker’s sister, Jessica Mae Eagle Speaker, was also charged, and was scheduled to stand trial last month on charges of robbery, uttering threats, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. However, the Crown didn’t call any evidence and the matter was dismissed.
Kimberlie Eagle Speaker’s sentencing hearing has been adjourned to March 14 for the judge to give his decision.

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