Contested sentencing hearing for city man

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on June 28, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 54-year-old Lethbridge man who previously pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm, will face a contested sentencing hearing when he returns to court next month.
The matter for William Charles Coward, son of retired Lethbridge judge Fred Coward, was in provincial court Monday, but his matter was simply adjourned to July 20 for sentencing. The accused pleaded guilty last April and agreed to the allegations described by the Crown, but court was told Monday the Crown and defence are expected to recommend opposing sentences during the hearing next month.
Lethbridge police received a complaint about 6:30 p.m. on July 9, 2021 from a man who said he had been assaulted the night before. The victim said he and Coward, whom he described as an “old time” friend, had been drinking, smoking weed and consuming mushrooms together. The two had an enjoyable visit and never argued or became angry, and after visiting for a while Coward said goodbye and left on a bicycle.
While the victim was listening to music following his friend’s departure, Coward returned to the residence and began hitting his victim in the face with a bicycle lock that was still attached to the end of a chain.
“He described that he was hit many times in the face, and recalled begging for his life,” Crown Prosecutor Sheena Campbell said.
She said Coward then left the residence, and the victim woke up his roommate, who drove him to the hospital.
“He received stitches to his left eye, and was told by the doctors that he may never see again.”
Sentencing was adjourned to allow time for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, which will provide Coward’s personal history and circumstances to help the judge determine a fit sentence.

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