A Chilliwack man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail in connection with a hit and run on Sept. 14, 2017 in Maple Ridge that killed 48 year-old Laura Jeglum-Woycheshen.

Ryan Lowe pleaded guilty in October 2018 to impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, failure to stop at the scene of an accident and public mischief.

Jeglum-Woycheshen was riding her motorcycle on the Lougheed Highway when Lowe's car crossed the centre line, killing her and seriously injuring two others.

Lowe then left the scene and abandoned his vehicle, conduct Provincial Court Judge Patricia Janzen described as "cowardly."

She initially read out what added up to an eight year sentence, but then said she didn't feel it was "fit" and reduced it to six and a half years, adding she felt Lowe had excellent prospects for rehabilitation.

Family and friends of Jeglum-Woycheshen were in court for the sentencing, including her eldest son Robert Jeglum.

"Justice will never be truly served because I'll never get to have my mom back. You know, my brothers will never get to give her a hug, my kids will never get to feel their grandma again," Jeglum said.

"It affects our lives every day."

In sentencing, Janzen told the court Lowe also falsely reported his car as being stolen after the collision. She said investigators ultimately found surveillance video of Lowe at the Caddyshack pub before the crash. She said his brother, who had initially corroborated his story, later admitted to police he had been told what to say by Lowe.

Lowe was arrested in February 2018.

Janzen said witnesses saw Lowe's vehicle driving erratically before the crash, speeding and driving on tires so flat, there were sparks flying.

She told the court Lowe had drank steadily for several hours and chose to drive. She added Lowe did read a statement in court apologizing and expressing deep shame and remorse.

Janzen said victim impact statements also delivered to the court outlined the pain and grief of losing Jeglum-Woycheshen, and described her as a "strong, loving" woman who was "larger than life."

"Nothing I do here today can bring Laura back," she told the court.

Janzen said Lowe's life was "difficult": his mother had cancer for most of his life and ultimately passed away, and his father was an alcoholic who assaulted him.

Janzen characterized the abuse as "frequent" and "substantial."

She said substance abuse was a part of Lowe's life, but added he has attended counselling for his issues. She said Lowe has two children and works as a roofing sub-contractor.

Sobbing could be heard in the courtroom as Lowe was handcuffed by a sheriff and led away. The judge also imposed an eight year driving ban.

Outside court, Jeglum-Woycheshen's sons had a message for the public.

"I think that the community needs to really look, and say you know that one, two, three drinks, whatever you decide, isn't worth it," he said.

"I just ask, please, don't drink and drive."