- A “peacemaker” who fatally stabbed another man as he went on a violent rampage at an early morning drinking party has been sentenced to 39 months time served.
- Roland Williams plead guilty to manslaughter in the July 6, 2008, death of 37-year-old Charles Flett.
Court heard Flett had assaulted several people at the Gladstone Street house party when Williams stabbed Flett four times in the neck, back and shoulder.
- Flett had been fighting with his common-law wife Catherine McKay after she tried to leave the house party with a case of beer and accused her of infidelity. Flett was “aggressive” with several people at the house party and allegedly kicked Williams three times in the head before chasing McKay and another woman into the bathroom.
- “I was scared,” McKay (the common law wife) testified at a preliminary hearing. “This wasn’t the first time Charles was violent to me ... Roland was trying to be the peacemaker.”
- Flett was pounding on the door, trying to get inside, when Williams stabbed him. The women emerged from the bathroom to find Williams performing CPR on the dying Flett.
- Flett was described as a good father and husband.
- “Undoubtedly, he was all of these things for the most part,” Justice Donald Bryk said Friday. “Unfortunately, on those occasions when he chose to drink excessively, his positive disposition was overcome by anger and jealousy, which caused him to act in a violent and unpredictable manner.”
- Williams, 43,asked Flett's family for forgiveness.
- “If I hadn’t drunk so much alcohol I know for a fact this would not have happened,” Williams said. “It’s pretty hard for me to forgive myself.”
- Bryk gave Williams double credit for time in custody.
If I were the defence lawyer in this case, I would argue that this man acted in self defence and necessity. Flett was chasing his wife and trying to get inside the door where Williams was. He may have thought that his life was at risk, which is why he stabbed him. Flett was being aggressive and Williams had reason to believe that his life was at risk and he was also intoxicated, which could have contributed to his actions. This man also expresses remorse. In my opinon, 3 years and 3 months is too much. Yes, he killed a man, but he could have had a defence for it. I would say that maybe 2 years less a day, would be appropriate along with some probation.
Like I said on Twitter, probation would be the max sentence I'd give this guy. It was in defense of two women and himself. He even tried to save the guy after. He didn't do it in malice, and now has to live his life knowing that his actions caused a man's death. I think that's a harsh enough sentence for a man trying to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you in that I feel he was acting in self defense of not only himself, but also the woman. I also dont think he did this intentionally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting and reading!