More hard time for beating in jail

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This article was published 05/01/2012 (5023 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba inmate was left disabled by an eight-on-one attack that occurred behind bars.

The 33-year-old father of three suffered severe brain injuries in the December 2009 incident at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre that have rendered him nearly immobile and unable to speak.

One man pleaded guilty to aggravated assault this week and was sentenced to six more years in prison, in addition to two years of time already served.

Quentin Bird, 22, admits kicking and jumping on the victim’s head during the 30-second attack that was captured on videotape. Court heard the victim angered members of the Indian Posse, including Bird, when he walked by them and made a threatening gesture.

Bird and several co-accused attacked the man as he was being returned to his cell.

“Your victim is now virtually a vegetable because of what you and others did,” Queen’s Bench Justice Rick Saull said. “This is a vicious, brutal assault by a gang of gang members.”

The other seven co-accused remain before the courts.

Bird was seeking two more years in custody, saying he has left the gang life behind and is anxious to get on with his life. But Saull said a stronger punishment was needed, reminding Bird he will have opportunities his victim never will.

“You’re going to walk out, you’re going to breathe the fresh air and you’re going to be able to feed yourself, unlike your victim,” Saull said.

Violence behind bars has been a prominent issue in Manitoba.

Last month, three high-ranking Winnipeg gang members were convicted for their roles in a deadly gang beating inside Stony Mountain Institution. Victor Ryle, Alvin Cote and Charles Coaster were found guilty of manslaughter and will be sentenced later this month. A fourth accused, Evan Myran, was acquitted.

David Tavares, 40, died after being jumped by several other prisoners in March 2005.

www.mikeoncrime.com