Calgary Herald, August 29, 2015

A 34-year-old man is headed to prison for the severe beating, punching and kicking of a woman he believed stole money from his jacket during an alcohol and drug-fuelled party at the victim’s home.

Provincial court Judge Brian Stevenson sentenced Sheldon Romane Walsh to three years for aggravated assault, choking to overcome resistance, uttering deaths threats, and unlawful confinement.

Crown prosecutor Ryan Jenkins had sought a sentence of five to six years. Defence lawyer Shelley Moore argued for 12 to 15 months with credit for time served.

The judge gave Walsh credit for just over a year already spent in custody, leaving him with just under two years to serve, also placed him on probation for 18 months with several conditions including counselling for alcohol and drug abuse, anger management, and impulse control.

Read more...

Calgary Herald, August 24, 2015

A veteran provincial court judge has dismissed an application for a mistrial by a man who alleged the judge had fallen asleep during key testimony at his assault trial three months ago.

In tossing the mistrial application brought by lawyer Shelley Moore the judge said that the issue should have been brought to his attention at the time of the trial.  He also said he was alert at all times during the proceedings and that is borne out in his written decision.

In convicting the defendant of unlawful confinement, choking with intent, uttering death threats and aggravated assault the judge stated:   “I want to make it clear I do not attribute any ulterior motives by Ms. Moore at her client’s request for a mistrial.”

Read More...