Ahmed Mousa sentenced for failing to stop after the accident in 2022
A judge has sentenced Ahmed Mousa, 23, to eight months of house arrest in connection with a fatal crash in Windsor in 2022, which she described as an “unavoidable” accident. The sentencing, delivered by Ontario Court Justice Sharon Murphy, focused on Mousa’s failure to stop and render aid after the incident, rather than the crash itself.
Mousa had pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene of the November 18, 2022, crash, which resulted in the death of Kyle Verbrugge, 33. Verbrugge was struck near the intersection of Elsmere Avenue and Ellis Street East, and he passed away in hospital two days later. Mousa also faces a two-year driving ban as part of his sentence.
In her ruling, Justice Murphy referred to an agreed statement of facts, noting that Verbrugge stepped into the vehicle’s path, limiting the time Mousa had to react. The judge emphasized that while Mousa’s vehicle appeared to be speeding, it was not a factor that caused the accident. “This accident was unavoidable,” Murphy stated, adding there was no evidence to suggest Mousa had contributed to the collision.
Windsor police had initially issued a public appeal for help locating the driver involved in the hit-and-run. Mousa voluntarily turned himself in four days after the incident. At his sentencing hearing in June, his lawyer explained that Mousa, who fled war-torn Syria with his family, panicked after hitting Verbrugge, fearing retribution for his actions.
Mousa had told investigators that he did not see Verbrugge until impact and admitted to fleeing out of fear. The Crown had argued that attempts were made to conceal the damage to the vehicle, a Dodge Caravan, but the vehicle was recovered before any repairs could be made.
The defense had requested a sentence of 12 to 18 months of house arrest, with a driving ban of two to three years, while the Crown had asked for a two-year custodial sentence and a five-year driving ban. After hearing both arguments, Justice Murphy decided on the eight-month house arrest sentence.
Mousa’s lawyer later commented that the sentence was “appropriate under the circumstances,” acknowledging his client’s remorse and willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
