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CLARENVILLE, N.L. — Tyler Hicks of Catalina was initially charged with attempted murder following an incident in Bonavista last year, but those charges were dropped, and this week he was sentenced on four remaining charges, including assault with a weapon.
Police allege that on the night in question, Hicks purposefully crashed his vehicle into another before using a bat to assault two men inside the vehicle in a Bonavista parking lot, and sending them, along with a third man in the vehicle, to the hospital.
Hicks was originally charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault and dangerous operation of a vehicle in addition to assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. But on May 19, he pleaded guilty to the four remaining charges — two of assault with a weapon, one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of uttering threats.
At his sentencing on Monday, Aug. 19, Clarenville Judge Paul Noble rendered his decision on Hicks’ sentence, following a joint submission from Crown prosecutor Cory Binderup and defence counsel Chris Burt during a hearing held Aug. 12.
Hicks will serve 90 days concurrently for each of the assault with a weapon charges, 540 days for the charge of assault causing bodily harm, and 89 days for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
His incarceration will be served through a combination of house arrest, and weekend custody at the local RCMP detachment in Bonavista, from 7 p.m. on Friday until 8:30 a.m. on Monday.
Hicks is subject to a probation order and must have no contact with the victims of the crime.
Noble noted in court that the sentence is not a “slap on the wrist,” and acknowledged he agreed with the joint submission on sentencing made by both lawyers since it is supported by Hicks’ behaviour. Noble said he was glad to have heard “not a peep” about Hicks in the 15 months leading to his sentencing.
He also commended Hicks for taking strides toward rehabilitation, including initiating a mental health support group in Bonavista.
In fact, Hicks said in court that the very first meeting of the group — organized with the help of his family — was scheduled for the same night of his sentencing, Aug. 19.
Twitter: @jejparsons
