Nine-year sentence for Stanley Park attack
A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years for assaulting Korean student Ji-Won Park in Stanley Park last year.
However, Robert Wallin gets two years credit for the time he's already served, so he now faces seven more years in custody.
- FROM APRIL 30, 2003: Taped confession played in court
His 23-year-old victim remains in a wheelchair with permanent brain damage, unable to walk or to speak. She communicates by lifting her left hand, to indicate yes or no.
Handing down the sentence today, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Janice Dillon called it a savage and senseless crime
She has recommended that he serve at least the first part of the sentence in a psychiatric institution.
The Crown had asked for for a sentence of eight to 11 years. The defence had asked for five to six years.
The judge says Wallin continues to pose a great risk to the public, and therefore a severe sentence was in order.
Wallin could have been sentenced up to 14 years in jail.
He had originally been charged with attempted murder for the attack. However, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in March.