Steven ‘Stubbs’ Martel has been sentenced to seven years in jail for the illegal killing of Ron Brennan Peterson, 47, exterior a downtown Barrie church.
Justice Michelle Fuerst referred to as Martel’s killing of Peterson “senseless,” including Martel confirmed “neither concern nor appreciation of the gravity of his own actions.”
Fuerst referred to as Martel’s prior felony file “appalling,” saying he killed Peterson whereas on two probation orders and weapons bans as he trafficked fentanyl in Barrie.
The courtroom later heard sufferer impression statements from Peterson’s household expressing anger over the loss of life of the person they referred to as a devoted father and grandfather who was the household’s supplier and protector.
Peterson, the courtroom heard, died of a single stab wound.
It was revealed Martel was chopping medicine and have become enraged with Peterson for knocking over a bottle of tablets on the road as he was heading to the breakfast program being provided at Trinity Anglican United Church.
His defence lawyer, Laurie Galway, mentioned Martel stabbed Peterson following a “perceived wrong” when the medicine had been spilled.
Peterson ran from his attackers and later collapsed inside a close-by diner.
The courtroom realized of Martel’s lengthy historical past of habit to alcohol and medicines, his analysis of schizophrenia, and the way he was residing on the road promoting medicine.
Martel addressed the courtroom, turning particularly to Peterson’s household, saying, “I don’t want to make any excuses. I am sorry for what happened, and I didn’t mean to cause this tragedy.”
The Crown subsequently withdrew charges of second-degree homicide towards Martel and his co-accused, Jordan Szyperski, walked out of the courthouse a free man alongside lawyer Richard Stern.
“I clearly apologize for something that was my half in it. I by no means wished something, anybody to get damage,” Szyperski mentioned.
Peterson’s household stays upset by Martel’s responsible plea to the lesser cost of manslaughter.
Martel is scheduled to be launched in 4 years and three months.
