Jordan Herron came to court Thursday in leg shackles and prison-issue sweats. It’s a far cry from the button-up collared shirts he’s worn throughout his trial for the murder of Clayton Bear.
After his lawyer called for the minimum sentence on his second-degree murder charge – life in prison without parole for ten years – Herron stood up to address the court.
He turned to face a courtroom filled with more than 30 supporters, including his mother and girlfriend.
“I just want to say I’m sorry to my family…” he said. “I love everyone.”
Sobs drowned out his words.
Justice J.D. Kalmakoff noted Herron’s close connection to family when he read out his sentence. The 23-year-old will spend at least 11 years of his life sentence in prison.
The Crown was seeking a term of between 13 and 16 years of parole ineligibility. But Kalmakoff pointed out that Herron has no criminal record, has abided by all his release conditions and has shown remorse for his actions.
He declined to impose the minimum sentence, however, stressing that Herron’s crime was “callous and senseless.”
“This case is a prime illustration of how the combination of addictions and a few bad choices can be devastating,” he said.
For more on this story, please see the Feb 17 print or e-edition of the Prince Albert Daily Herald.
