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Alexander Peepre, Lincoln Kennedy-Williams Hockey Riot Sentences Appealed

Rioters Sentences' Not Long Enough: Crown
B.C. Crown

The Crown is appealing the sentences of two Stanley Cup rioters, arguing that their punishments were not sufficient.

B.C. Criminal Justice Branch said on Friday that it’s asking for the sentences for Alexander Peepre and Lincoln Kennedy-Williams – who were both given jail terms to be served on weekends -- to be increased. But it did not expand on the reasons behind the decision.

Peepre pleaded guilty to participating in a riot and assault. Last month, he was sentenced to 60 days jail and 15 months probation. The Crown had asked for a jail term of 9 months.

Kennedy-Williams also pleaded guilty to participating in a riot for which the Crown sought a six-month jail term. Last month, he was sentenced to 90 days jail and 15 months probation.

“As these matters are now before the Court of Appeal, the Criminal Justice Branch will make no further comment about the specifics of the cases,” said a news release.

The Vancouver Police Department issued a brief statement stating it supports the Crown’s decision to appeal the men’s sentences. Both matters are scheduled to be heard on Nov. 29.

Justice officials also reviewed two other Stanley Cup riot sentences and found there was no legal reason to appeal them, despite the outcome being less than what the Crown had asked for.

Story continues after slideshow

Alexander Peepre

Convicted Stanley Cup Hockey Rioters

Camille Cacnio, who pleaded guilty to participating in a riot, received a suspended sentence and two years probation. Sean Burkett, who also pleaded guilty to the same charge, was given a three-month conditional sentence and 12 months probation.

“The Crown cannot file an appeal from sentence simply because it disagrees with the outcome of a particular case,” said the news release.

“Judges have broad discretion at sentencing and in the absence of the Crown being able to show a legal error that resulted in a demonstrably unfit sentence (one that is clearly unreasonable or markedly outside the range of sentence available for generally comparable cases), it is unlikely that an appeal court would vary the sentence and impose something that is more stringent.”

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