Rodney Constantine, who pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mark Squires, was caught driving while suspended just months after the fatal collision.
ST. JOHN’S — A Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court judge has firmly rejected a joint sentencing submission for a man who pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death, ruling that the proposed four-year prison term falls drastically short of adequately addressing the crime.
The Crown and defense had initially agreed upon the four-year sentence for Rodney Constantine in an effort to avoid a trial and spare the victim’s family further emotional burden. However, Judge Bruce Short refused to accept the recommendation on Tuesday.
“I put this to counsel: How can four years be adequate in this case?” Judge Short asked the courtroom, directing the legal teams to return with a penalty that more accurately reflects the severity of the circumstances.
The Fatal Crash on Empire Avenue
Constantine pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mark Squires during a catastrophic crash on December 10, 2023.
According to facts presented in court, Constantine had consumed as many as 15 drinks following an argument with his ex-girlfriend before getting behind the wheel. Squires and his cousin, Andrew, were passengers in the vehicle.
The court heard that Constantine drove erratically, reaching speeds between 125 and 165 km/h. Andrew Squires testified that his cousin Mark was screaming and crying, begging Constantine to stop the car and let him out. Moments later, the vehicle careened into a house on Empire Avenue in St. John’s, flipping sideways and catching fire. Mark Squires was pronounced dead at the scene.
A “Complete Disregard for Safety”
Judge Short’s decision to strike down the four-year sentence heavily relied on Constantine’s actions following the fatal crash. Despite being handed a driving ban that extends until the year 2085, police observed Constantine driving on two separate occasions in June 2024—just six months after Squires’s death.
During one of those incidents on June 4, Constantine was pulled over for intentionally tailgating another vehicle. Police subsequently found a package of cocaine and nearly $5,000 in cash inside the car.
“Mere months after this event, he’s caught twice by the police, firstly violating a heavy prohibition from driving. And even more so, driving in a manner that shows a complete disregard of safety of anyone else on the road,” Short stated.
The judge also pointed out a glaring absence in the defense’s submission: any evidence that Constantine was taking steps toward rehabilitation. “It’s not about not understanding … It’s about not giving a damn,” Short remarked.
A Family Left Heartbroken
Inside the packed courtroom, members of the Squires family filled the gallery, wearing inside-out memorial t-shirts and buttons to comply with courtroom rules. Five victim impact statements painted a picture of a family whose lives have been shattered.
Celeste England, Squires’s partner, shared that she is now raising their daughter, Saje, alone. Saje was born just 19 days before the fatal crash. England also revealed that Squires had been planning to propose to her, sharing the heartbreaking detail of having to pick up her engagement ring by herself after his death.
Squires’s other daughter, Aubree, who turned nine shortly after the proceedings, is also reeling from the loss. Her mother, Kayla O’Brien, told reporters that Aubree is “devastated” and misses her father every day, noting how heavily his absence is felt at milestones like birthdays.
Seryna Squires, Mark’s mother, recounted her final interaction with her son before he headed to a Christmas party in his new outfit. He had told her he felt he had “truly made it in life.” Her last words to him were, “I love you too, my son.”
What Happens Next
The sentencing, initially expected to conclude in June, was delayed after Constantine retained new legal representation. Now, the Crown and defense have over a month to formulate a new sentencing submission.
Following the judge’s rejection of the lenient sentence, Constantine was remanded into custody. The decision drew gasps and tears of relief from the Squires family. He is scheduled to reappear in court on September 17.