The drunk driver who killed a local couple in 2010 was sentenced to two years and three months in jail on Wednesday.

Chad Olsen, 24, of Sedalia, appeared in Red Deer provincial court on Wednesday morning. Last November he pleaded guilty to two counts of impaired driving causing death.

As a part of his sentence, Olsen also cannot drive for five years.

On Feb. 7, 2010 at about 2 a.m., Red Deer City RCMP and Red Deer Emergency Services responded to a call of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Ironstone Dr. and 30 Ave.

RCMP said a southbound green 2001 GMC pick-up truck struck an eastbound brown 2000 Chrysler. Krista Howe, who was driving and Brad Howe, the passenger in the Neon were pronounced dead on scene.

Olsen, the lone occupant of the pick-up truck was treated and released from Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre before being arrested.

Krista, 35, was an engineer at MEGlobal Canada Inc., at Prentiss and Brad, 34, was an engineer at Nova Chemicals Joffre complex.

They left behind five young children.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, about 100 people both in support of the Howe’s and Olsen were in the courtroom during the sentencing hearing.

More than 12 victim impact statements were read in court.

Sandra Green, Krista’s mother, said there are “No words to adequately describe the impact this has had. The grief I feel is immeasurable, huge and encompassing.”

She added she still can’t believe the reality her family lives in.

“This has affected my life in every imaginable way and right now I’m struggling to find my way,” said Green.

Check out the Express next Wednesday for full coverage.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com