Post by : Meena
Hassan
Relatives of Ryden Brogden exited a Calgary courtroom in anger Wednesday after the man responsible for fatally stabbing him escaped jail time.
Justice Johanna Price of the Court of King’s Bench imposed a conditional sentence order on John Sproule, 23, consisting of two years of house arrest followed by two years of probation. Sproule was previously convicted of manslaughter for the stabbing incident involving Brogden, 27, in September 2022 outside a bar in Banff.
Justice Price highlighted that the case involved aspects of “near self-defense,” pointing out that Brogden instigated the confrontation. Surveillance footage depicted Brogden delivering a sucker punch to Sproule, pulling his shirt over his head, and persistently attacking him while making lethal threats. In response, Sproule, then 20, brandished a folding knife, resulting in 19 stab and slash wounds.
While acknowledging Sproule's self-defense claim, the judge remarked that he employed “excessive force.” Price also considered Sproule’s display of remorse alongside “exceptional” circumstances, stating, “Sending John to jail will not resurrect Ryden.”
Prosecutors aimed for a five to six-year prison sentence, whereas the defense suggested a conditional sentence or, if not, an 18-month jail term.
The judge concurred that Sproule does not present a threat to the community. Alongside the two years of house arrest, he is required to undertake 240 hours of community service.
Upon the sentence announcement, Brogden’s family displayed their discontent, with numerous members murmuring and leaving the courtroom in protest.
Afterwards, Sproule shared an emotional embrace with his mother, brother, and girlfriend.
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