Man convicted in fatal assault on senior at Vancouver Costco apologizes in court
The man found guilty in the death of a senior outside a Vancouver Costco wiped away tears Tuesday as he told a B.C. Supreme Court judge he’s sorry for what he did.
Thomas Toth, 61, of East Vancouver was convicted of manslaughter last November for his role in the death of Orlando Ocampo, an 86-year-old Vancouver resident.
On Dec. 20, 2017, Toth encountered Ocampo as they both left the Costco on Expo Boulevard. The encounter turned hostile with the pair reportedly swearing at each other.
During Toth’s sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the court heard Ocampo pepper sprayed Toth before walking several metres away from him. Toth approached Ocampo and pushed him, causing the senior to fall and hit his head on the concrete.
Toth fled as bystanders administered first-aid to Ocampo, a grandfather of five who had been married for 63 years. Three weeks later, Ocampo died of his injuries in hospital.
Toth’s lawyer read letters to the courtroom written by his wife and adult daughter. His daughter recalled hearing her dad break down crying when he learned Ocampo succumbed to his injuries. Toth’s wife wrote that her husband couldn’t sleep for months after the encounter, and could often be heard weeping in the living room in the middle of the night.
Toth then addressed the courtroom, delivering a tearful apology. He said he’s sad about what he did, and he wished Ocampo did not die. Wiping away tears, he told the judge he wished none of it ever happened.
Toth’s defence team is asking for a one-year prison sentence, saying the man’s actions were out of character, and being pepper sprayed provoked him. Toth’s lawyer described him as an upstanding citizen with no drug or alcohol problems and no diagnosed mental health issues.
The sentencing hearing was supposed to begin last March, however Toth failed to appear in court. As a result, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest. He was located in Vancouver and taken into police custody last month.
Crown counsel is seeking a prison sentence of 18 to 24 months following one year of probation, saying Toth skipping his initial sentencing hearing warrants a punishment greater than the one-year term defence is seeking. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on June 29.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year
Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.