A London man who viciously assaulted a variety store owner last fall has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
Jessie Aaron McConnell, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of aggravated assault in relation to the attack on Rajaie El Shorafa.
The court heard El Shorafa was working at his convenience store, the now shuttered Horton Variety, on October 21, 2017 when he asked a group of young people that were blocking the store's entrance to leave. McConnell, one of the people in the group, approached El Shorafa and a brief scuffle ensued. McConnell then punched the store owner in the face three times, causing him to fall back and hit his head on the concrete sidewalk.
El Shorafa was rushed to hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery for a head injury. His recovery has been a long and difficult one. He remains unable to work.
"The victim in this case has suffered immeasurably... you have in essence stolen his life," Justice Jeanine LeRoy told McConnell in handing down the sentence.
She noted McConnell has taken away El Shorafa's ability to do what he has done seven days a week for the past 20 years -- work and be a productive member of society.
"He may never get over those things and you will have to live with that for the rest of your life," said LeRoy.
McConnell was then urged to use the incident to "motivate change" in his life by choosing to take advantage of available counselling in the penitentiary and steering clear of bad influences.
"Everyone in this courtroom hopes you can change for the better," LeRoy said. "What your life looks like five years from now depends on the decision you make today... please make the right one."
McConnell sat stone-faced in the prisoners' box for the duration of the proceedings. He declined an opportunity to address the court prior to his sentencing. A letter of apology written by McConnell was filed into evidence. In it, he states he would like to use his time behind bars to "fix" himself.
Assistant Crown Jason Miller
Assistant Crown attorney Jason Miller told the court the apology letter struck him as genuine and reflects an insight into "how things can go so badly when you don't intend to." He noted McConnell has impulse control issues, a substance abuse problem, and mental health issues.
"This is his chance to turn his life around," Miller told the court.
Miller and McConnell's defence lawyer Ko Bhamra made a joint submission for the 3.5 year sentence. With time already served, McConnell has a little over two years and five months left.
A victim impact statement from El Shorafa was submitted but not read out in court. El Shorafa and his family were not in court for the sentencing.
"I don't think the family spends a lot of time worrying about the consequences to Mr. McConnell. They are still dealing with the consequences to them," Miller told reporters outside of the courthouse. "Mr. El Shorafa was a fixture in that community for decades, well beloved, ran that store seven days a week and so the consequences to him are significant. Your heart goes out to Mr. El Shorafa."
