By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Crown and defence far apart in sentencing for 2016 stabbing case

Dec 6, 2016 | 2:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE – There’s a significant gap between the Crown and defence in the sentencing submissions for a 23-year old Lethbridge woman, who was found guilty in a stabbing case last month.

Following a trial, Peggy Ann Holy Singer was found guilty of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and breaching a recognizance that said she could not be in possession of a weapon.

The judge found that Holy Singer stabbed the 21-year old male victim four times after an argument on February 17, 2016, with one of the blows puncturing a lung.

Crown prosecutor, Erin Olsen, started the sentencing hearing by saying the appropriate range for such a crime stands anywhere between three-and-a-half and five years in custody. They noted that considering all the factors in the case, four-and-a-half years in prison was the right penalty.

It was also noted by the Crown that Holy Singer should get credit for 10 months served in pre-trial custody.

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Defence lawyer, Mansoor Khan, countered by saying the range was closer to two years, and recommending a term of imprisonment of only 10 to 12 months. He explained that Holy Singer’s family was severely impacted by the residential school system, and that she learned at a young age from her parents that alcohol and violence are the only ways of dealing with her problems.

He continued by stating that with probation that includes counselling and supports to help her find a job, Holy Singer can be rehabilitated.

Olsen responded by discussing Holy Singer’s past history with the courts and a pre-sentence report prepared for her. She pointed out that Holy Singer has a history of breaching court orders and failing to follow through on counselling.

After hearing from both sides, Judge Paul Pharo decided to take some time to consider his decision, and adjourned sentencing to December 20.