VICTORIA—New Democrat Public Safety critic Mike Farnworth today condemned the B.C. Liberal government for refusing to appeal a reduced sentence for Darnell Pratt in connection with the death of Grant DePatie.

“The B.C. Court of Appeal's decision to reduce Darnell Pratt’s sentence evoked outrage right across the province,” said Farnworth. “But the Campbell government has ignored the will of the public in this case and is refusing to take action.

“The Attorney General can direct Crown Counsel to appeal this decision, but he has chosen not to do so. That’s a huge disappointment to the people of British Columbia and a slap in the face to the family of Grant DePatie,” said Farnworth.

Pratt was sentenced in May 2006 to nine years in jail for the death of Maple Ridge gas station employee Grant DePatie. The B.C. Court of Appeal recently reduced that sentence to five years and ten months.

Farnworth urged concerned members of the public to let the Campbell government know they are unhappy with the decision.