Abbotsford/Nelson (with files from Black Press and AbbyPD) – January 11, 2024 – AbbyPD responds to the sentencing in Abbotsford Police Officer Allan Young’s death trial.
Today’s sentencing of Mr. Willness has been a long time coming. It is clear from the evidence presented at trial that Cst. Young’s death was senseless and unnecessary. The Abbotsford Police Department thanks our colleagues at the Nelson Police Department for their investigation of this incident, the Crown for their work in the prosecution of this case, and all the witnesses who provided their accounts of the incident. We are glad that the prosecution resulted in the conviction of Mr. Willness for Manslaughter and that he has been sentenced. However, nothing will bring Cst. Young back to his loving family or back to us at the AbbyPD. Cst. Young and his family remain in our thoughts and our hearts.
From Black Press: Alex Willness has been sentenced to five years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of an Abbotsford police officer. Willness received the judgement January 11 in Nelson, where on July 16, 2020 he hit Const. Allan Young on the head with a skateboard during a downtown confrontation. Young, who was off duty while visiting Nelson, died five days later.
Background:
Initial Media Release – July 18, 2020
Nelson Police Department file 20-3531 / Assault
On July 16, 2020 Nelson Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance in the 500 block of Baker Street Nelson, BC.
Nelson Police and Emergency Services arrived in the area and located a seriously injured male who was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service.
This investigation is in the preliminary stages. However, it appears that one male was causing a disturbance in the roadway when the victim approached him and a physical altercation ensued. The victim, a 55 year old man from Abbotsford, has sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital in critical condition.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.
From July 22, 2020
From then Sgt Judy Bird, Abbotsford Police Media Relations Officer:
The passing of Constable Allan Young
It is with great sadness that the Abbotsford Police Department announces the death of our officer, friend and colleague, Constable Allan Young.
Constable Young passed away peacefully last night surrounded by those who love him.
Constable Young was born and raised in Dumbarton, Scotland. At the age of 16, he entered the British Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Mechanic, where he served until 1987.
Allan immigrated to Canada in 1997 and joined the Toronto Police Service in 2000.
On March 2, 2004, Allan proudly joined the Abbotsford Police Department. During his career in Abbotsford, he spent time in Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Unit.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother officer. His smile, personality and character cannot be replaced and will forever echo in our hallways.
We extend a heart-felt thank you to our community for the support that we and Allan’s family have received.
