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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Member of 'mob' jailed two years for attack on Main Street

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 11/2/2012 1:56 PM

It was a cowardly group beating of an unsuspecting stranger. Now one of the leaders of the "mob" has been sentenced to two years in jail for her role in the Main Street attack.

Deanna Sutherland, 40, would likely have gotten a much longer penalty today if not for her tragic Aboriginal background which was taken into consideration by justice officials as required through a Supreme Court edict.

"There’s no question the accused had a horrific childhood," said Queen’s Bench Justice Doug Abra. He noted a sentence in the range of five or six years might typically have been dished out, if not for "mitigating" factors which include Sutherland’s upbringing, guilty plea to aggravated assault and lack of a prior criminal record.

The victim was walking down Main Street near Higgins Avenue in July 2011 when as many as six people jumped him for no apparent reason. He was repeatedly punched, kicked in the head and stomped on – with Sutherland inflicting much of the damage. Her only explanation is that they were drunk.

"Clearly there was a mob mentality. By her actions, she was one of the leaders of the mob," said Abra.

The man suffered extensive injuries including a broken jaw which had to be wired shut for six weeks, plus broken ribs and a broken hand.

"It is indeed fortunate that the victim didn’t die or suffer severe brain damage," said Abra.

Sutherland had asked to be spared any custody, arguing a period of probation was sufficient punishment. But Abra said jail was required given the serious nature of the crime.

Five male co-accused remain before the courts on similar charges.