Defence suggests 13 years in jail for man’s role in Sudbury arson that killed 3 people
A Sudbury man should get a 13-year sentence for his role in setting a townhouse fire that killed three people - that was the argument from defence attorney Len Walker on Wednesday, who is representing Jared Herrick at an ongoing sentencing hearing.
Three people died in the April 11, 2021, arson: Jasmine Marie-Claire Somers, left, Jamie-Lynn Lori-Lee Rose and Guy Armand Henri. (File)Herrick pleaded guilty late last year to three counts of manslaughter and one count of arson causing bodily harm in connection with the deaths.
Three people died as a result of the April 11, 2021, fire on Bruce Avenue: Jamie-Lynn Lori-Lee Rose, Jasmine Marie-Claire Somers and Guy Armand Henri. A fourth was badly injured but managed to escape by jumping out of a window.
In March, Phillippe Jeannotte was sentenced to 16 years for his role in the crime.
Walker argued that his client doesn’t have “a significant record” and that his actions that night weren’t driven by malice, but by severe drug addiction.
“The only motive (his client) had was his drug addiction and his need to feed that habit,” he said.
He reviewed sentences handed down in several, often disturbing cases, for comparison, and said the longest Herrick has ever spent in jail is now, awaiting trial.
“A fit sentence would be 13 years,” Walker said.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
Wednesday was expected to be the third and final day of the hearing, but Crown attorney David Kirk wasn’t able to begin his arguments because it was late in the day.
The hearing will resume Friday morning.
A publication ban on details of what happened the night of the tragedy is in place until the trial of the final suspect in the case, Liam Stinson, who is expected to go on trial next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.