NEW WESTMINSTER - The ex-Mountie convicted of obstruction of justice in the 2008 crash that killed a South Delta man was sentenced in New Westminster Supreme Court today to a 12-month conditional sentence.

Benjamin "Monty" Robinson was found guilty earlier this year of obstruction of justice for his actions following the Oct. 25, 2008 collision with motorcyclist Orion Hutchinson in Tsawwassen.

The sentence includes 24-hour house arrest until Aug. 31, 2012 as well as completing a residential treatment program. Robinson will have a curfew for the remainder of his sentence.

The sentence also includes a $1,000 fine and having to write a letter of sympathy to Hutchinson's family.

The 21-year-old died after a collision between his motorcycle and Robinson's Jeep at about 10: 15 p.m. at the corner of 6th Avenue and Gilchrist Drive.

Robinson was off duty when he was driving home from a party with his two children that evening. At the party he had consumed five beers.

Following the crash, Robinson walked to his home and drank two shots of vodka before returning to the scene.

During the trial, Robinson's defence noted he drank the vodka without thinking because it gave him comfort. An addictions specialist testified during trial that in 2008 Robinson was an alcoholic and his actions were consistent with someone suffering from alcohol dependence.

The Crown maintained he deliberately took the drinks knowing it would skew the police's ability to determine the amount of alcohol he had consumed that night.

In March, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Janice Dillon found Robinson's actions a deliberate attempt to avoid an impaired driving charge and convicted the former corporal of obstruction of justice.

He was officially discharged from the RCMP last week.

More to follow.

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com