Former TWU security guard manslaughter sentence
Former TWU security guard manslaughter conviction.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Crown is pushing for a five-year imprisonment term for a former security guard at Langley’s Trinity Western University. This comes after a recent ruling by Supreme Court Justice Catherine Murray, who found 55-year-old Jack Hutchison guilty of manslaughter in connection to an incident that occurred on the university’s campus last year.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate event unfolded on September 30, 2020, during a period of stringent COVID-19 restrictions on the campus. Reports indicated that a man, identified as 30-year-old Howard Glen Hill, was spotted wandering through student residences and rummaging through rooms. Hill, who was later revealed to be struggling with schizophrenia and had not been taking his medication, was causing a disturbance that prompted calls to Hutchison, the sole security guard on duty that day.
Hutchison managed to locate Hill, leading to a physical altercation between the two. Despite Hill’s attempts to flee, Hutchison, who possessed martial arts training, was able to subdue him in a headlock. However, the situation took a tragic turn as Hill eventually lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital. Tragically, Hill was taken off life support a few days later, leaving his family devastated.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings, Murray acknowledged that while Hutchison may have initially acted in self-defense and in the interest of the students’ safety, his use of force escalated beyond necessity. A forensic pathologist’s testimony revealed that the neck restraint applied by Hutchison directly contributed to Hill’s death, highlighting the excessive force used in the altercation.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Hill’s family expressed disappointment over the lack of an apology from the university. In a tearful address to Hill’s family, Hutchison offered condolences but refrained from issuing a formal apology. His lawyer, Paul McMurray, cited his client’s clean criminal record and First Nations heritage as mitigating factors, advocating for a suspended or conditional sentence instead of imprisonment.
Conclusion
As the sentencing date looms on May 17, the case continues to spark debate over the use of force in security situations and the accountability of individuals in positions of authority. The tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of excessive force and the importance of proper training and protocols in handling such delicate situations.
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Former TWU security guard faces sentence manslaughter
TWU security guard faces sentence manslaughter.
