Edward Owens sentenced for prison beating, armed robbery
CBC News | Posted: February 25, 2016 9:39 PM | Last Updated: February 26, 2016
Video of another brutal attack at Newfoundland and Labrador's largest prison has been played for a St. John's courtroom.
- Back-to-back armed robberies, HMP beating will extend inmate's sentence
- Face-kicking, kettle-swinging attack at HMP caught on video
This time, it involved one inmate pummeling another at Her Majesty's Penitentiary over a rumour.
At provincial court in St. John's Thursday afternoon, video showed Edward Owens repeatedly hitting Glen Maher in the face.
Owens had broken Maher's jaw and the orbital bone of one eye, resulting in Maher having a plate put in his face to repair the damage.
Defence lawyer Sylina Jones told the court Owens had heard a rumour to make him fearful of Maher.
During his court appearance, Owens pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault.
Apology
As well, Owens admitted to committing an armed robbery at the Ramada Hotel in St. John's in Dec. 2014.
Video of that incident shows the hotel clerk fighting back against Owens, by pushing a luggage trolley into the masked assailant and grabbing his arm.
Later that same month, Owens used a syringe in an attempt to rob Pizza Delight on Kenmount Road.
He was arrested following that attempt and has been in jail ever since.
The assault at HMP happened two months later.
Given time served, Owens has about three years and eight months left on his sentence.
When given a chance to speak, Owens said he is sorry for what he did, and says he is looking forward to getting counseling in prison.