The Crown is seeking up to eight years in prison for a man convicted of manslaughter in the stabbing death of his step-father.
But Brandon Noftall’s lawyer says the sentence should be half of that, given the unique circumstances of the crime.
Brandon Noftall escorted back to HMP following sentencing hearing. Will return to Supreme Court for sentencing on Nov. 18. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/E5ATcjTFXA
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) October 21, 2022
Prosecutors are leaning on precedent from several high-profile cases in the province, including the shooting of Derek Druken by his own brother in the late 90s, and Philip Pynn’s sentence for shooting a friend during a botched home invasion.
Both crimes fetched sentences in the eight-year range, but the defence says they’re not fair comparisons, arguing four to six years would be more appropriate since Brandon Noftall had no criminal record, was partially provoked by his stepfather, 41-year-old Bobby Noftall, and even tried to save his life after the fact.
But with four deep stab wounds, including one each to the heart and lungs, his efforts proved in vain.
The agreed statement of facts notes it was “fight or flight” for the younger Noftall, who the defence says felt cornered and acted out of fear.
The incident in Renews, in December 2020, was triggered by a dispute between Brandon and his mother over money. But when that turned physical, Bobby Noftall stepped it, leading to the confrontation that ended his life.
In Supreme Court this morning, Brandon Noftall offered an emotional apology, trembling through tears and regrets of killing the man who he described as the closest thing to a dad he’s ever had.
“This will haunt me for the rest of my life,” he told the court and grieving relatives, adding, “I loved him. I’m truly sorry. I really am.”
Noftall is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18.
Whatever that turns out to be, almost three years will be subtracted with credit for time already served.
