A Trenton, N.S. man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for an attack that left another man paralyzed from the waist down.
Shane Matheson, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted murder after he stabbed Scott Jones, now 28, outside a bar in New Glasgow, N.S. in October 2013.
In addition to attempted murder, Matheson was initially charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon. Those charges were withdrawn.
Jones will likely require a wheelchair for the rest of his life and Judge Nick Scaravelli told the court that Jones could have died in the attack. He said the stabbing left Jones with devastating injuries that take a physical and emotional toll on him every day.
Members of Jones' family have said they believe he was targeted because he is gay, but police have said there is no evidence to support that claim.
Hate crime charges were not filed in the case.
The defence had asked for a nine-year sentence while the Crown argued for ten years.
The judge sentenced Matheson to 10 years, minus a year for time served.
Jones appeared in court Thursday and gave an impact statement in which he told Matheson he forgave him for the attack.
“Shane, nothing can justify what you’ve done to me. But I forgive you for what you have done,” said Jones.
Several people in the courtroom wept after Jones’ statement. Matheson then apologized to Jones.
“Mr. Jones, I’m sorry I put you in that chair. I don’t know why I did it. I’m sorry to your family and friends. I’m sorry,” said Matheson.
“What I’m happy about is the fact that Shane seemed to be remorseful for what he had done and he apologized,” Jones said outside the courtroom. “That means the world to me.”
Jones’ family said it was a moment they were not expecting.
“I’m happy that Scott was able to forgive Shane and Shane was able to apologize,” said Jones’ mother, Lois Waugh.
Jones’ family said he has remained positive throughout the ordeal and Crown prosecutor Jody McNeill said that positive attitude is inspiring others.
“The real story today that impressed was the courage and inner strength of Scott Jones,” said McNeill.
“He’s been so amazing. He’s sort of embraced a new life,” said his sister, Sherise Jones.
As for Matheson, his grandmother said she thinks his sentence was harsh, but his apology was sincere.
“He didn’t have an easy upbringing. He had it very, very hard, and I always felt so sorry,” said Karen MacDougall as she fought back tears.
Jones said the love and support of his family, friends and community is helping him move onto the next chapter of his life.
“Everyone wanted to help and it was incredible to be around, and when I think about that love and then I think about Shane and his life, maybe he didn’t have that love around him.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Amanda Debison
