The sentencing hearing for Steven Bragg began in Supreme Court today.

The 39-year-old was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Victoria Head in 2017.

The conviction comes with an automatic life sentence, but how long before he can apply for parole is up to the judge.

The Crown says it should be at least 15 years, citing somewhat similar cases in the past.

Justice Donald Burrage can consider those, a pre-sentence report about Bragg, but also the impact his actions had, particularly on the victim’s family.

Victoria Head’s daughter, sister and father all expressed the deep sense of loss and personal struggles they’ve endured since the killing, which was described as a brutal and terrifying death.

Bragg strangled Victoria Head with a bootlace and hid her body in woods off O’Brien’s Farm Road in the early morning hours of Remembrance Day in 2017.

He did speak to the court this morning, expressing remorse for what he did to Victoria and her family.

But despite all the evidence and eventual admission from Bragg, there has never been an explanation as to why he committed the crime.

That was a point Justice Burrage made today after reviewing all submissions on a sentence.

The hearing continues on Wednesday.

Second-degree murder conviction comes with automatic life sentence; Crown seeks 15-17 years before Bragg is eligible for parole. @VOCMNEWS

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) October 19, 2021