[taco.vidal]

July 26, 2016 5:00 am Updated: July 26, 2016 2:29 pm
Manyshots brothers’ sentencing delayed for kidnap, rape of Calgary teen


A sentencing hearing has been temporarily cut short for two brothers convicted of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl.

The judge granted a request by the defence lawyers to adjourn Tuesday’s hearing. A new date will be announced Aug. 3 for the continuation of the sentencing hearing.

The lawyers want more time to explore mental health issues relating to the Manyshots brothers; the Crown has finished its submissions.

Corey and Cody Manyshots pleaded guilty to kidnapping, uttering threats, sexual assault, and robbery. A charge of sexual assault causing bodily harm was withdrawn.

The young victim was in the courtroom and asked to have her victim impact statement read by the prosecutor on her behalf at the start of the hearing.

However, provincial court judge Terry Semenuk ruled if the victim doesn’t read the statement herself, he will not allow it to be read at all. (The law allows victim impact statements to be read by someone else, including the prosecution, but it is at the judge’s discretion).

The brothers sat emotionless in the prisoners’ box. Cody Manyshots waved to his family when he entered the room.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2847129/ma...-calgary-teen/

Whats wrong with this judge in not letting the prosecutor read the statement?