Sentence delayed in 2013 stabbing death

A Prince Albert courtroom heard about a man’s lifelong struggles at his sentencing hearing for killing another man by stabbing him in the heart.

Charles Adam Stewart, 25, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Court of Queen’s Bench in February and returned to court for his sentencing on Friday. However, Justice M.D. Acton reserved his decision until late June.

Davis David Broussie, 25, was found unconscious in the Subway Restaurant parking lot in the 200 block of 15th Street West in September of 2013.

Broussie was stabbed in the chest, and the knife – which was never found – punctured his heart. These facts were read out in court by Crown prosecutor Keith Amyotte.

Broussie, from Black Lake, died in hospital due to that injury.

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The life-ending fight between Stewart and Broussie started after Stewart became angry about “amorous advances” toward a female that was with them while they were drinking that night, the court heard.

Stewart lunged towards Broussie with the knife despite the victim moving away, and there was no indication that Broussie instigated or elevated the fight to the point that Stewart needed to use a weapon, Amyotte said.

Amyotte suggested a sentence of eight to 10 years in custody for Stewart.

In reference to a presentence report to explain his sentencing submission, Amyotte said Stewart’s remorse was lacking.

Stewart abandoned the scene of the stabbing and indicated he had no issues with hostility and anger despite those being a common thread in his life, Amyotte said.

Stewart told the report writer he “kind of” felt bad, but Amyotte said he wasn’t sure if he was referring to Broussie’s death or the criminal proceedings following that.

Defence lawyer Greg Chovin countered that in his sentencing submissions, which seek for Stewart to serve between five and five and a half years in custody.

Chovin said Stewart has cognitive and developmental issues and he feels frustration over his inability to communicate.

In effect, the presentence report didn’t tell the whole story, Chovin said.

Although Stewart graduated from Grade 12, his education was stunted by his cognitive limitation, he said.

Chovin made several remarks on behalf of Stewart’s mother, saying Stewart “was picked on his whole life” making it unsurprising he’s had past outbursts.

Early on in the appearance, soon after the judge entered, Stewart turned around to look at his four family members in the courtroom. Chovin quickly walked to Stewart and whispered for him to pay attention.

Members of Stewart’s family wiped tears from their eyes as Chovin spoke of their struggle to help Stewart stay out of trouble over the years with inadequate external supports and the issues he faces.

Chovin said their efforts are shown in the fact that Stewart has no criminal record prior to the Sept. 2013 incident.

Along with the sentencing submissions, Chovin expressed that Stewart’s family wants him to get psychiatric help while he’s in prison.

Because his sentence will be above two years, Stewart will serve his time in the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary. In reference to the need for psychiatric help through the Correctional Services of Canada, Chovin said he “can’t stress it enough.”

In response to that, Amyotte, who worked as a nurse in the mental health field in the past, spoke from his own experience.

He emphasized the need for Stewart to make changes, saying “in therapy and in life, you get what you put into it.”

Justice Acton will hand down Stewart’s sentence on June 24.

claskowski@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk