Convicted of manslaughter, pair released for time served
Two men convicted of manslaughter have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms but — because of time already served awaiting trial — both are to be released from custody.
On Thursday Ronald Zerr was sentenced to nine years for manslaughter in the stabbing death of Albert Lowenberger in 2008.
Ashton Lavallee was given seven years for his manslaughter conviction in the case.
The judge on the case also said both men would be given credit for time served in custody awaiting trial.
The pair were arrested in March of 2008 and the judge gave them a two-for-one credit for time in custody, meaning both could be released from custody immediately.
Family and friends of the victim reacted angrily and began shouting. They were escorted out of the courtroom.
The sentencing followed a decision by the judge, earlier in the day to not declare a mistrial in the case.
Earlier this month, a jury convicted the Zerr and Lavallee of manslaughter.
The trial heard two different versions of events, with some witnesses saying that Lowenberger was the victim of an unprovoked attack outside a Regina bar, and the two accused testifying they were defending themselves.
Court heard it was Zerr who fatally stabbed Lowenberger in the heart, while Lavallee was there at the time of the stabbing.
The defence said earlier this week it should have been a mistrial because the judge didn't tell the jury acquittal on the manslaughter charge was an option.
But Justice Guy Chicoine ruled Thursday against a mistrial and sentencing arguments began.
The Crown sought 15 years for Zerr and 12 years for Lavallee.
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