Sad story for all involved. Arguing between a 61 y/o and an 86 y/o escalated to swearing, to pepper spray, to pushing the 86 y/o who hit his head and died.

The Crown, acknowledging that the accused had been provoked by being pepper-sprayed, said that the act of absconding was an aggravating factor and called for a sentence of 18 to 24 months in prison.

Corriveau agreed that her client’s failure to appear in court was an aggravating factor, but argued in the circumstances of the case that a more appropriate sentence was 12 months in jail.

The defence lawyer told the judge that the incident was out of character for her both client and for the victim.

The judge is expected to impose sentence on June 29.